Massive double injury boost for PSG ahead of Champions League final against Arsenal

Just four days before the Champions League final (May 30) that will see PSG face Arsenal in the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi, two key players for Paris Saint-Germain made their return to team training.

Both players have been side-lined with muscular injuries since the end of the season and will be crucial addition to the team before the Champions League final against Mikel Arteta's Arsenal. The Moroccan has been out since the first-leg against Bayern Munich in the semi-final and could not be fit enough to start the upcoming final. Meanwhile, the 2025 Ballon d'Or was subbed off early in Paris' last Ligue 1 game in their loss against city rivals Paris FC.

Could Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi start in the Champions League final?

According to French outlet L'Equipe, both players came back into training today as the team reported back after two days off. However, with only four days left before the finals, it could be difficult to them both start, even more for a game of this importance. While these two players are vital for the team, Luis Enrique might not take any risks with his players and choose to let them on the bench at the start of the game.

This is certainly the best solution for the players and for the team is certainly not to take any risks with both stars called up by their respective countries to feature in the 2026 World Cup set to take place in less than a month. Furthermore, it could be a massive blow for the team if one of these players were to leave the pitch prematurely in the final.

Facing a tough opponents like Arsenal without being at full strenght could mean a dramatic loss and the end of their hopes of back-to-back Champions League triumph.

Who should start instead of Dembélé and Hakimi in the final?

If Luis Enrique decides to keep both players on the bench at the start of the game, the best options to replace them would be Warren Zaire-Emery for Hakimi, which would mean that Fabian Ruiz would slot into the midfield alongside Vitinha and Joao Neves, while Bradley Barcola would step in for Dembélé, setting up a front line with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué.

These two options could make complete sense if either of Ousmane Dembélé or Achraf Hakimi are not fit enough to start the final.

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