PSG star set to return from injury blow ahead of Champions League final

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Paris Saint-Germain could have a fully fit squad available for their Champions League final clash with Arsenal on May 30, with key defender Achraf Hakimi expected to recover from injury in time for the showdown in Budapest.

The Morocco international has been sidelined with a thigh injury sustained during the first leg of PSG’s semi-final against Bayern Munich. The right-back, who has regularly captained the French side this season with Marquinhos’ minutes being managed in the league, was forced to miss the second leg in Munich as Luis Enrique’s team secured their place in a second consecutive final.

Initial fears suggested Hakimi could miss the remainder of the season, with doubts even emerging over his participation in this summer’s World Cup campaign. However, according to RMC Sport, the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan defender is recovering well and is expected to be ready for the final.

PSG are also likely to be boosted by the availability of goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, who suffered an injury in training last week that initially raised concerns about his season being over. The report suggests he too hopes to be available for the meeting with the Gunners.

Arsenal’s own injury concerns

While PSG appear to be getting key players back, Arsenal face their own fitness worries ahead of the final. Jurrien Timber has been absent since mid-March, missing the last 11 games due to a persistent groin problem.

Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that there is ‘no chance’ the Dutch defender will be involved against West Ham United this weekend. More concerning for Arsenal supporters, the manager raised doubts about whether Timber would be seen again before the end of the season.

‘I don’t know, there is still a fair bit to do,’ Arteta said when asked about Timber’s potential return. ‘Everything needs to be so smooth and quick.’

Chevalier was signed from Lille last summer to be PSG’s new number one after Gianluigi Donnarumma’s departure to Manchester City. However, Matvei Safonov has been starting ahead of him since January, overtaking the former Lille keeper in the pecking order.

Final preparations

Should Hakimi avoid any further injury setbacks in the coming weeks, PSG will have a fully fit squad to choose from when they face Arsenal at the Puskas Arena. The return of their captain and one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking full-backs would represent a significant boost for Luis Enrique’s side.

The Champions League final represents Arsenal’s biggest match in years as they seek to claim their first European Cup triumph. Both teams will be hoping their key players can overcome their respective fitness battles ahead of the showdown in Budapest.