• Luis Enrique’s injury worries intensify for Champions League final

  With merely days separating them from the momentous UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal, the Parisian club is scrutinizing the physical state of two indispensable players.

  Though recently crowned champions of France in Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain’s aspirations to claim European glory at the Puskas Arena are overshadowed by a precarious squad situation.

  The reigning French champions are set to face a supremely confident Arsenal side, freshly celebrating their Premier League triumph after a 22-year drought under Mikel Arteta. While the Gunners prepare for the encounter with spirits soaring, PSG could potentially be without several crucial figures for this season-defining European fixture in Hungary.

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• Hakimi’s presence in Champions League final highly doubtful

  Star full-back Achraf Hakimi is not expected to be fit enough to start the final. This development deals a significant blow to Luis Enrique’s tactical blueprints, as the Moroccan international provides an unparalleled attacking threat from the right flank of the defense.

  Having sustained a thigh lesion during the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals against Bayern Munich almost a month ago, the right-back is not anticipated to return to full-intensity training until Wednesday. This leaves him with a mere three days to demonstrate his complete readiness to the coaching staff before the team’s departure for Budapest.

• Dembélé misses vital Champions League final warm-up match

  The physical ailments plaguing the Parisians extend beyond the defensive line. Paris Saint-Germain recently arranged an internal friendly match, featuring two 20-minute halves, aimed at maintaining match fitness. However, Ousmane Dembélé was a notable absentee. The winger has been nursing an injury since being substituted in the first half of a recent league defeat against Paris FC.

  Despite mounting apprehension among supporters, the French international reportedly remains optimistic about his readiness for the final. Nevertheless, his non-participation in the internal scrimmage suggests that the medical team is prioritizing caution with the former Barcelona star, as the clock ticks down to Saturday evening’s highly anticipated fixture.

• Arteta and Arsenal gain potential tactical edge

  The potential absence of both Hakimi and Dembélé would fundamentally alter the dynamics of the Champions League final. Arsenal’s technical staff likely views this uncertainty as a strategic advantage, one they will undoubtedly seek to exploit if PSG’s rhythm or cohesion falters. Consequently, all attention is now fixed on the training session scheduled for Tuesday in Paris.

  This upcoming session represents the first genuine high-intensity test since the weekend. For Luis Enrique, it promises to be a pivotal moment in determining whether his two star players will be available for what is shaping up to be a historic clash against the newly crowned English champions.

By Yacouba Ouédraogo — Investigative journalist