PSG Stars Face Fitness Race Against Time for Champions League Final
London, 25 May 2026
Arsenal’s Champions League final prospects have received a significant boost as PSG grapple with injury concerns over two key players. Achraf Hakimi remains sidelined with a thigh injury sustained a month ago, whilst Ousmane Dembele missed training after being substituted during a recent domestic defeat. With the Budapest showdown scheduled for Saturday, Hakimi isn’t expected to return to full training until Wednesday, leaving just three days to prove his fitness. The potential absence of these crucial players could prove decisive, as Hakimi’s attacking threat from right-back and Dembele’s pace on the wing are integral to PSG’s tactical setup, giving Arsenal a tactical advantage.
Arsenal’s Title Triumph Sets Stage for European Glory
Arsenal’s path to this Champions League final has been nothing short of remarkable, having recently ended their 22-year wait for a Premier League title [1][2]. The Gunners’ domestic success, as previously reported in their crucial victory over relegated Burnley [https://kakuma.bytes.news/3adab20-Premier-League-Arsenal/], has provided the perfect foundation for their European campaign. Now, as they prepare for Saturday’s showdown at the Puskas Arena in Budapest [1][2], Arsenal find themselves in an increasingly favourable position against the French champions.
Hakimi’s Month-Long Absence Creates Tactical Headache
The most significant concern for PSG head coach Luis Enrique centres around Achraf Hakimi, who has been sidelined since suffering a thigh injury during the Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich almost a month ago [1][2]. According to French publication L’Equipe, the Moroccan right-back is not expected to be fit to start the final [1]. PSG hosted an in-house friendly with 20-minute halves, and Hakimi was unable to participate [1][2], highlighting the severity of his fitness concerns. The defender is not expected to return to training until Wednesday, just three days before the final and merely two days before the squad travels to Hungary [1]. After four weeks out, Hakimi faces a significant challenge to prove his match fitness for one of the biggest games of his career [1].
Dembele’s Knock Adds to PSG’s Injury Woes
Compounding PSG’s defensive concerns, Ousmane Dembele has also been struggling with fitness issues after being replaced during the first half of PSG’s recent domestic defeat to Paris FC [1][2]. The French winger missed the same in-house friendly that Hakimi was unable to attend [1][2], though Dembele appears more confident about his chances of featuring in the final [1]. The PSG medical department is taking a cautious approach with the former Barcelona player [2], understanding that his pace and creativity on the wing are vital components of the team’s attacking strategy. Arsenal’s coaching staff view the potential absence of both Hakimi and Dembele as a major boost to their tactical preparations [2].
Crucial Training Sessions Will Determine Final Squad
The coming days will prove decisive for PSG’s hopes of fielding their strongest XI. Tuesday’s training session will be crucial when the squad are next put through their paces [1], while Wednesday’s session in Paris on 27th May will serve as a definitive litmus test for Enrique to assess both Dembele and Hakimi’s fitness levels [2]. With the final scheduled for Saturday, 30th May 2026 [2], time is rapidly running out for both players to prove their readiness. The clash between arguably the two best teams on the continent [1] may ultimately be decided by which side can overcome their injury challenges, giving Arsenal a potentially decisive advantage in their quest for European glory.