PSG Face Injury Concerns Ahead of Champions League Final Clash With Arsenal

Paris Saint-Germain are facing a growing injury crisis ahead of next weekend’s UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal in Budapest, with manager Luis Enrique closely monitoring the fitness of several key first-team players as the French champions prepare for the biggest match of their season.

PSG concluded their Ligue 1 campaign last weekend and now have more than a week to focus entirely on preparations for the European final at the Puskas Arena. Meanwhile, Arsenal arrive in high spirits after securing their first Premier League title in 22 years following Manchester City’s draw against Bournemouth.

Speaking ahead of the showdown, Enrique acknowledged the scale of the challenge Arsenal will pose.

“I think they deserve to win the league — they have had a brilliant season,” Enrique said.

The PSG boss also admitted that Arsenal’s balance and intensity make them one of the most complete sides in world football.

“Without the ball, they are the best team in the world, and with it they can score a lot. It is a wonderful combination for them. It makes sense that we are facing them in the final.”

Dembele Leads List of PSG Injury Worries

The biggest concern for PSG remains the condition of Ousmane Dembele after the French winger suffered calf discomfort during PSG’s 2-1 Ligue 1 defeat to Paris FC.

Dembele was withdrawn during the first half of that encounter and subsequently missed a training session earlier this week. PSG later confirmed that the forward would remain under medical observation over the coming days.

Despite the concern, Enrique attempted to reassure supporters over the severity of the issue.

“He’s fine. I hope it’s nothing serious. I think it’s just fatigue.”

Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi is also recovering from a thigh injury that has sidelined him for nearly three weeks. However, the defender has resumed individual training and is expected to return to full team sessions before the final.

Defensive duo Willian Pacho and Nuno Mendes have both recently returned to training after missing several matches since PSG’s Champions League semi-final triumph over Bayern Munich earlier this month.

Neither featured during PSG’s closing domestic fixtures, including the match that sealed the Ligue 1 title, but both are currently expected to be available for the clash in Budapest.

Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier and young winger Quentin Ndjanto are also recovering from minor fitness problems but remain on course to return before the final.

Arsenal Also Managing Fitness Concerns

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is also dealing with injury concerns ahead of the final.

Defender Jurrien Timber is racing against time to regain full fitness, while Ben White has reportedly already been ruled out. Midfielder Mikel Merino is likewise battling to recover in time for the decisive encounter.

Enrique was full of praise for Arteta’s work at Arsenal, highlighting the remarkable transformation the Spaniard has overseen in North London.

“When you look at Arsenal’s statistics, you can see that Mikel Arteta is a leader as a manager who has instilled a winning mentality in the team,” Enrique said.

“They have been improving for several seasons now. They deserve to be there, and Arteta instils a competitive spirit in his players.”

PSG Preparing Internal Friendly Ahead of Final

With their domestic season already concluded, PSG are planning an internal practice match this week to maintain sharpness ahead of the final.

Enrique confirmed the club’s preparations would involve a balance of tactical work, recovery sessions and match simulation exercises.

“The programme is not yet fully established,” he explained.

“We’re going to do a little bit of everything. Rest too, because that’s important. We should also play a small friendly match among ourselves.”

The UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal will take place on 30 May in Budapest, with both clubs aiming to cap outstanding campaigns by lifting Europe’s most prestigious club trophy.