Will Achraf Hakimi play for PSG against Arsenal in the Champions League final? Injury update

Paris Saint-Germain are most people’s favorites to win a second successive Champions League final against Arsenal in Budapest, although their preparations for Saturday’s game have been disrupted by injuries to key men Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembélé.

Hakimi has been PSG’s main injury concern ever since he was forced off in the first leg of the thrilling semifinal victory over Bayern Munich in Paris on April 28. The Moroccan defender hasn’t played since due to a hamstring injury, sitting out the second leg in Germany as well as his team’s last four Ligue 1 games. However, there appears to be good news ahead of the final at Puskás Aréna.

Hakimi returns to training: Will he start against Arsenal?

Although PSG haven’t confirmed that Hakimi will definitely be fit to play, he resumed group training on Tuesday and has been named in the squad for the game. The 27-year-old therefore looks likely to be involved in some capacity, although whether Luis Enrique risks starting him after a four-and-a-half-week absence likely won’t be clear until just before kickoff.

Hakimi’s presence would be a huge boost for PSG, given his impact at both ends of the field. Although nominally a full-back, the Madrid-born star is a key attacking outlet for Luis Enrique’s team, often popping up in positions other right-backs wouldn’t even dream of venturing into.

In the 2024-25 season, Hakimi scored 11 goals and created another 16 for his teammates, although he has struggled to hit those same heights this campaign.

Dembélé eases fitness fears

Dembélé, meanwhile, played down fears he could miss the final after being forced off with a calf issue in PSG’s last league game of the season against Paris FC.

“I’m doing very well. I had a slight scare against Paris FC, but I’m fine, and I’ll be ready for the final,” the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner stated. When asked whether he would be 100% fit, he responded, “Yes, I think so.”

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.