PSG Squad Ready for Arsenal Clash: Hakimi and Dembélé Travel

Paris Saint-Germain have delivered the news Luis Enrique wanted most before the Champions League final. Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembélé are on the plane.

Both had been serious doubts. Both are now in the travelling squad for Saturday’s clash with Arsenal, a meeting of the newly crowned champions of England and the holders of Europe’s biggest prize.

Hakimi back for another final

Hakimi hasn’t played since pulling up with a hamstring injury in the first leg of the semi-final against Bayern Munich. For a player who lives on acceleration and aggression, any muscle twinge is a red flag. Yet he has made it back in time for the game that defines PSG’s season.

His return carries more than symbolic weight. Hakimi scored the opening goal in last season’s final, setting PSG on their way to a ruthless 5-0 dismantling of Inter Milan and the club’s long-awaited Champions League triumph. He is a reference point on and off the ball, a weapon in transition, and a reminder of how unforgiving this side can be when the stakes rise.

Dembélé’s situation has been similar. The winger picked up his own issue in the final Ligue 1 fixture of the campaign against Paris FC, another hamstring concern that cast doubt over his involvement. His inclusion in the squad hints strongly that he will be available, even if his exact role remains in Enrique’s hands.

For a coach who leans so heavily on width, tempo and one‑v‑one threat, having both wide men fit enough to travel is a significant boost.

Arsenal’s own lift with Timber

Across the divide, Arsenal have their own reason to feel encouraged.

Fresh from lifting the Premier League trophy less than a week ago, Mikel Arteta’s side head into the final with momentum and a returning defender. Jurrien Timber, out since March with a hamstring injury sustained against Everton and absent for 14 matches in all competitions, has been named in the travelling party to Hungary after rejoining training this week.

His presence offers Arteta another option at full-back and centre-back, valuable versatility against a PSG side that stretches and overloads flanks relentlessly. For Arsenal, who are chasing a remarkable league-and-Europe double, every extra piece matters.

Kick-off is at 5pm. The calendar has barely turned since the title celebrations in north London. There is no time for emotional hangovers.

Barcola’s message: PSG lean on the collective

Inside the PSG camp, the tone is clear: respect Arsenal, fear no one.

Winger Bradley Barcola, preparing for a second consecutive Champions League final, did not bother hiding the ambition when speaking to club media.

“It’s a great honour to be playing in a second final,” he said. “We’re going to do everything we can to win it. We’re trying to build as much confidence as possible ahead of this final, and we’re going to work hard to make sure we’re ready.

“I really think it’s our collective strength. The fact that we play together, attack together and defend together. We really play as a team, and that’s our greatest strength right now.”

That word – collective – has defined PSG’s European run. This is no longer the side that leans solely on individual brilliance and hopes the rest holds. The structure is tighter, the distances shorter, the work off the ball more honest. Arsenal, who themselves have built a reputation on cohesion and pressing detail, will recognise the mirror image.

A familiar opponent, a fresh stage

This is not a new rivalry, just a new chapter.

PSG are the team that ended Arsenal’s run in this competition last season, knocking them out in the semi-finals with a 3-1 aggregate victory. The second leg swung on goals from Fabian Ruiz and Hakimi, the latter once again decisive on a big European night.

Arsenal have grown since then. So have PSG. Now they meet not over two legs, but with everything compressed into 90 minutes, maybe 120, and the thin edge of penalties if neither side blinks.

PSG’s travelling squad

Luis Enrique’s hand for the final is now clear.

• Goalkeepers: Chevalier, Safonov, Renato Marin
• Defenders: Hakimi, Beraldo, Marquinhos, Zabarnyi, L. Hernandez, Nuno Mendes, Pacho
• Midfielders: Fabian, Vitinha, Mayulu, Dro, Zaire-Emery, Joao Neves

The spine is strong, the full-backs explosive, the midfield rich in technicians and runners. With Hakimi and Dembélé restored to the group, PSG arrive close to full power.

Arsenal come as champions of England, chasing history. PSG come as champions of Europe, intent on keeping what they fought so hard to win.

Only one of them leaves with the crown.