Arsenal May Gain Advantage as PSG Face Fitness Concerns Ahead of UCL Final

2 months ago 34
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Arsenal may have gained a subtle advantage ahead of next weekend’s Champions League final, as fresh doubts have surfaced about Achraf Hakimi’s fitness for Paris Saint‑Germain.

The Gunners are preparing for one of the biggest matches in their modern history, set to face PSG at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest on Saturday, May 30.

Having already secured the Premier League title, Arsenal are riding a wave of confidence; the latest injury update from the PSG camp could add further encouragement for Mikel Arteta’s side.

According to reports from L’Équipe (via CaughtOffside), Hakimi is increasingly unlikely to start the Champions League final after missing another key part of PSG’s preparations.

The Morocco international did not take part in an internal training match involving squad players over the weekend, instead continuing with individual work as he recovers from a thigh problem.

That is a significant development. Hakimi is not just a regular full‑back for PSG; he is one of their most dangerous outlets, especially when he pushes high on the right side and links up with the forwards.

His pace, recovery speed and attacking timing make him a major weapon, so even if he makes the bench, not starting him would still be a blow for Luis Enrique.

Also Read: PSG Were Scary Last Year They’re Still Scary This Year — Saliba Admits

The concern is not unfounded. Hakimi has already missed PSG’s Champions League semi‑final second leg and their final four Ligue 1 matches, so this is clearly not a minor issue that has disappeared overnight.

Reports suggest he is progressing, but the final may come too soon for him to start.

If he does miss out from the XI, Warren Zaïre‑Emery could be used at right‑back, with Fabián Ruiz moving into midfield.

Ousmane Dembélé is another name Arsenal fans have been watching closely.

The French winger also sat out the internal session, but his situation appears more positive.

He recently suffered calf discomfort against Paris FC, though he has publicly insisted he expects to be ready for the final.

Reuters reported that PSG planned treatment for the issue, while Luis Enrique described it as possibly linked to fatigue.

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