The pressure is mounting on Paris Saint-Germain as the countdown to the Champions League final against Arsenal ticks closer. Luis Enrique’s side faces a critical juncture, with two of their most influential players—Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembélé—sidelined from the club’s latest internal friendly, raising fresh concerns about their match readiness in Budapest.

Hakimi’s thigh injury casts doubt over his participation

The Moroccan international’s absence from the recent training session stems from a thigh strain sustained during the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals against Bayern Munich nearly a month ago. With the final just days away, Hakimi is not expected to return to full training until midweek, leaving him with a mere three days to prove his fitness before the squad departs for Hungary. His potential absence deals a significant blow to the PSG’s tactical plans, as his offensive contributions from right-back are pivotal.

Dembélé’s setback adds to PSG’s injury woes

The problems extend beyond the defensive line. Ousmane Dembélé, the French winger, missed a crucial internal friendly match after being substituted early in a recent Ligue 1 defeat to Paris FC. Though the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has expressed confidence in his recovery, his omission from the session suggests the medical staff are erring on the side of caution. The stakes could not be higher as the club chases European glory.

Arsenal poised to exploit PSG’s vulnerabilities

Should Hakimi and Dembélé remain unavailable, Arsenal’s technical staff are likely to view the situation as a strategic advantage. The Gunners, fresh off their Premier League title triumph under Mikel Arteta, will enter the final with momentum on their side. For PSG, the upcoming training session in Paris represents a decisive moment—one that could determine whether their stars are fit to face the new English champions in what promises to be a historic showdown.