Paris Saint-Germain received a massive boost on Tuesday as Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembélé rejoined full training, just four days before the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal. The return of the two key players significantly lifts the squad's morale and gives manager Luis Enrique pivotal options ahead of the showpiece event in Budapest.
Hakimi, who had been sidelined with an ankle issue, intensified his individual work last week and has privately assured close associates that he is "100 percent" ready to start the final. The Moroccan right-back is a vital cog in PSG's system, providing width, defensive solidity, and attacking thrust that few can match.
Dembélé's situation is equally promising. The French winger was substituted during the final Ligue 1 match against Paris FC after a calf complaint, but the early exit was precautionary. He then spent a week without forcing his recovery, allowing the muscle to heal fully before returning to team sessions without restrictions.
Their availability could not come at a better time. With only four days until the final, Luis Enrique now has nearly a complete squad to work with as PSG enter the tactical phase of their preparation. The Spanish coach is known for his meticulous planning, and having both players back allows him to drill the specific patterns and counter-pressing triggers that could prove decisive.
The Champions League final against Arsenal sets up a fascinating clash of styles. PSG, led by the explosive Kylian Mbappé — who will face his potential future club — will rely on the pace and creativity of players like Hakimi and Dembélé to break down an Arsenal side that has been defensively resolute throughout the tournament. Budapest's Puskás Aréna will host the 2026 final, a neutral venue that promises a vibrant atmosphere.
Hakimi's return is particularly crucial. During his absence, PSG lacked his marauding runs on the right flank and his ability to track back quickly. With Arsenal likely to deploy a high press, Hakimi's pace and one-on-one defending will be essential in neutralizing threats like Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard. Moreover, his overlapping runs create space for the forwards, a dynamic PSG have missed.
For Dembélé, the final offers a chance to shine on the biggest stage after an injury-hit season. When fit, the former Barcelona man is a difference-maker, capable of unpredictable dribbles and pinpoint crosses. His directness against an Arsenal defense that may sit deep could be a key weapon off the bench or from the start. If Luis Enrique opts for a front three of Mbappé, Gonçalo Ramos, and Dembélé, the pace and movement would test any backline.
The timing of their returns also raises questions about match sharpness. Neither player has featured in a competitive match for weeks, and while training intensity can mimic game situations, the pressure of a Champions League final is incomparable. Luis Enrique must decide whether to start them and hope adrenaline carries them through, or use their quality in the second half when spaces open up.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will be monitoring PSG's injury news closely. Mikel Arteta's side has battled through their own fitness concerns, but the sight of Hakimi and Dembélé back in training will undoubtedly alter their preparation. The Gunners' defensive unit, anchored by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, will need to be at their absolute best to contain a fully loaded PSG attack.
The psychological lift for the Parisian camp cannot be overstated. Losing key players in the build-up to such a match creates doubt; their return, especially with Hakimi's bullish confidence, flips the narrative. The dressing room now believes it has all the tools to finally secure the club's first-ever Champions League title after years of near misses and high-profile disappointments.
PSG trained at their Camp des Loges base on Tuesday afternoon, with the session marked by a palpable energy. Luis Enrique will hold further sessions on Wednesday and Thursday before the squad travels to Hungary on Friday. The final training session at the stadium on Friday evening will likely determine the starting eleven, with Hakimi and Dembélé expected to participate fully.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
