• Luis Enrique’s injury worries intensify for PSG

  With just days remaining until the Champions League final clash against Arsenal, the Parisian club is closely monitoring the physical condition of two integral players.

  The reigning French champions, fresh off their Ligue 1 triumph, aim to secure the coveted European crown at the Puskas Arena. However, their preparations are being significantly hampered by an uncertain squad situation.

  Paris Saint-Germain will challenge a confident Arsenal side, who recently claimed the Premier League title after a 22-year wait under Mikel Arteta. While the Gunners approach the final with peak morale, PSG could potentially be without several key figures for the season’s most crucial European fixture in Hungary.

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• Hakimi’s participation remains highly doubtful for Champions League final

  The star full-back, Achraf Hakimi, is reportedly not expected to be fit enough to start the final. This development deals a significant blow to Enrique’s tactical strategies, as the Moroccan international provides a unique offensive threat from the right side of the defense.

  Having sustained a thigh injury nearly a month ago during the Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich, the right-back is not anticipated to return to full-intensity training until Wednesday. This leaves him with a mere three days to demonstrate his full fitness to the coaching staff before the team departs for Budapest.

• Dembélé misses crucial PSG preparation match

  Physical issues are not confined to the defense for Paris Saint-Germain. The club recently organized an internal friendly match, consisting of two 20-minute halves, aimed at maintaining match fitness. However, Ousmane Dembélé was a notable absentee. The winger has been grappling with an injury since being substituted in the first half during a recent league defeat to Paris FC.

  Despite growing apprehension among supporters, the French international expresses confidence in his ability to be ready for the final. Nevertheless, his absence from the internal scrimmage suggests the medical team is opting for a cautious approach with the former Barcelona player, as the countdown to Saturday evening’s decisive match has already begun.

• Arteta and Arsenal gain tactical advantage ahead of Champions League final

  The potential absence of both Hakimi and Dembélé could drastically alter the dynamics of the Champions League final. Arsenal’s technical staff already perceives this uncertainty as a strategic advantage, which they will undoubtedly aim to exploit if PSG’s rhythm or cohesion is compromised. Consequently, all eyes are now fixed on the training session scheduled for Tuesday in Paris.

  This upcoming session will serve as the first genuine high-intensity test since the weekend. For Luis Enrique, it promises to be a decisive moment in determining whether his two star players will be able to participate in what is anticipated to be a historic clash against the newly crowned English champions.

By Élise Ntamag — Regional policy