Arsenal are monitoring the fitness situation at Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the Champions League final, with Achraf Hakimi’s availability for the Budapest showpiece in serious doubt.
The two clubs meet at the Puskás Aréna on Saturday, May 30, in what represents one of the most significant matches in Arsenal’s recent history.
Hakimi did not participate in an internal PSG training match involving squad players over the weekend, instead continuing with individual rehabilitation work for a thigh problem.
The Morocco international has already missed PSG’s Champions League semi-final second leg and their final four Ligue 1 matches, underlining the seriousness of the injury.
Reports indicate Hakimi is progressing in his recovery, but the timing of the final may not allow him sufficient time to return to the starting lineup.
Hakimi carries significant importance for PSG’s attacking play, particularly through his ability to push high on the right flank and combine effectively with the forward line.
His pace, recovery speed and attacking timing make him a key component of Luis Enrique’s system, and his absence from the starting eleven would represent a notable change in PSG’s approach.
Should Hakimi miss out, Warren Zaïre-Emery could fill in at right-back, with Fabián Ruiz then stepping into midfield to cover for that positional shift.
Ousmane Dembélé also sat out the internal training session, though his situation appears more encouraging than that of his teammate heading into the final.
Dembélé recently suffered calf discomfort during a match against Paris FC, but publicly stated he expects to be ready to feature in the final against Arsenal.
Luis Enrique described Dembélé’s issue as possibly linked to fatigue, while PSG planned treatment to manage the problem ahead of the Budapest fixture.
Arsenal arrive at the final having secured the Premier League title, ending their wait for a top-flight championship since 2004 with a win at Crystal Palace.
From a tactical standpoint, Hakimi’s potential absence could open opportunities for Bukayo Saka on Arsenal’s right side against a less experienced replacement defender.
Mikel Arteta’s squad will continue their preparations with the knowledge that their opponents face genuine fitness uncertainty in the final days before the European showpiece.
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