PSG’s final preparation: Dembélé and Hakimi sidelined but no cause for concern ahead of Arsenal showdown

With just seven days remaining until the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain orchestrated an internal training match this Saturday at the Poissy Campus. The session, designed to maintain match sharpness, unfolded under the watchful eyes of 1,000 ultras and 100 young fans invited by the club—a poignant send-off before the historic clash in Budapest.

Despite the absence of two key figures, Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi, the atmosphere remained electric, underscored by a banner from the Collectif Ultras Paris that read: “Once, it’s historic. Twice, it’s legendary.” The message encapsulated the club’s ambitions as it eyes a second consecutive Champions League title.

Unscheduled absences but no alarm

Hakimi, who sustained a thigh injury during the first leg of the Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich on April 28, opted for individual conditioning rather than risking further aggravation. Meanwhile, Dembélé, who reported discomfort in his calf following last Sunday’s Ligue 1 defeat to Paris FC (1-2), remained in recovery mode. Club insiders confirmed both players are expected to feature in the starting XI when the Parisians face Arsenal on May 30.

The internal friendly, played in a high-tempo format, saw two evenly matched teams—black versus white—compete for just over an hour. While the final scoreline was not disclosed, Ibrahima Mbaye and Vitinha found the net for the white side. The focus, however, remained squarely on the impending final, with president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, sporting director Luis Campos, and head coach Luis Enrique receiving a thunderous ovation from the ultras ahead of the showpiece event.

No risks taken with star players

Club officials have repeatedly emphasized their commitment to prioritizing player fitness over short-term gains. With the Champions League final looming large, the management’s cautious approach ensures Dembélé and Hakimi will enter the fray at full strength. As preparations intensify, the team’s morale remains sky-high, fueled by unwavering fan support and a collective hunger to etch their names into football history.