News Focus
- Paris Saint-Germain held a private training match on Saturday to keep players sharp.
- Star winger Ousmane Dembélé insists he will be ready for next weekend’s final.
- However, Achraf Hakimi faces a major battle to prove his fitness.
- The Moroccan defender could start from the bench against Arsenal.
- Warren Zaire-Emery is on standby to play at right-back if Hakimi misses out.
Paris Saint-Germain organised an internal friendly match on Saturday. The French champions want their squad to stay in peak condition before the Champions League final. However, two key stars missed the session. Neither Ousmane Dembélé nor Achraf Hakimi took part in the exercise.
Dembélé spoke to journalists earlier this week. He promised supporters that he will be fully fit for next Saturday’s clash against Arsenal. The club shares this positive view inside the camp. However, if the forward does not train with the main group by Tuesday, worries will grow. Fans may then question if the Ballon d’Or favourite can begin the match from the first whistle.
French newspaper L’Équipe reports bigger concerns about Hakimi. They suggest the Moroccan might not be ready to start the game. The right-back has spent more time on the sidelines than his teammate. He picked up a thigh problem during the first leg of the semi-final victory over Bayern Munich.
According to the same source, the final might arrive too early for the defender. He could begin the evening among the substitutes instead. This would likely see Warren Zaire-Emery fill in at right-back. Fabián Ruiz would then step into the middle of the park to cover the tactical shift.