PSG receive triple injury boost before Champions League final against Arsenal

Reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Ousmane Dembele, Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi are fit to face Arsenal in Saturday evening’s UEFA Champions League final.

All three players had been doubts in the build-up to the showpiece, with Dembele’s fitness a particular concern after he was substituted during PSG’s victory over Paris FC last week. Their availability provides a significant boost for the French club as they attempt to retain the Champions League and secure successive titles.

Dembele, Mendes and Hakimi have now been passed fit, allowing PSG to prepare for the final with their squad strengthened ahead of the meeting with the Gunners.

Dembele said he had never been worried about missing the match, despite the concern surrounding the injury he suffered in the win over Paris FC.

“I wasn’t scared about missing the final, I had 10-15 days to get ready,” he said, according to Flashscore.

“The season was quite difficult for everyone at PSG, we didn’t have a lot of downtime. But we’re 100% ready to go.

The France international also explained that PSG’s coaching staff had carefully managed the squad’s workload in the period leading up to the final.

“We’re trying to be ready physically, the coach gave us a lot of rest days.

“He and his staff have meticulously planned all the games. But I like playing lots of games, that means you make it far.”

PSG will now look to complete the final preparations for their attempt to make it back-to-back Champions League triumphs. The availability of Dembele, Mendes and Hakimi gives them three more established options for the contest, after all had faced doubts in the days before Saturday’s encounter.

Dembele’s return is especially important after he was forced off against Paris FC last week, but his comments indicate that he believes the recovery period has been sufficient. He said the team was fully prepared physically after being given additional rest by the coach and his staff.

The final will bring together the reigning champions and Arsenal, with PSG seeking to defend the title they currently hold. The French side’s players have also had to manage a demanding season, which Dembele described as difficult for everyone at the club because there had been little time for rest.

Despite that schedule, the forward said he welcomed the number of matches involved, arguing that a long run of fixtures is a consequence of progressing deep into competitions. PSG’s immediate focus is now on Arsenal and the opportunity to retain European football’s biggest club prize.

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