UEFA Champions League
Luis Enrique Welcomes Back Key PSG Players Ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final
The Parisian club’s manager confirmed he will have a full squad available in Budapest, where PSG will chase their second Champions League title against Arsenal.… Show More
The Parisian club’s manager confirmed he will have a full squad available in Budapest, where PSG will chase their second Champions League title against Arsenal.
Everything is falling into place for Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the UEFA Champions League final, after head coach Luis Enrique confirmed that three of his key players — all previously considered doubtful — will be available for the showdown in Budapest, Hungary. Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes and Ousmane Dembélé.
LUIS ENRIQUE’S CONFIRMATION
“A two-part question. First of all, what is the physical condition of Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes? Last year you won the Champions League, and now Arsenal have that same motivation. How powerful is that motivation?
“It’s powerful, but do you know how powerful it is to try to win a second Champions League in a row? It’s even bigger. Hakimi and Nuno are fine.”
That was the response from the PSG manager during Thursday’s press conference at the Puskás Arena.
THE FIRST SIGNS
Hours earlier, the club had already hinted that it would have a full-strength squad available for the final, including Hakimi, Mendes and Ousmane Dembélé.
All three players were seen training without any issues, despite concerns in recent weeks regarding their fitness and availability for the European final. Should Arsenal be worried?
THE INJURIES THEY WERE DEALING WITH
Dembélé — the current Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best winner — suffered a knock to his right calf during PSG’s final Ligue 1 match against Paris FC on May 17. At the time, the French star insisted his substitution was only precautionary and that he would be fit for the Champions League final.
Hakimi returns after suffering a right thigh injury during the first leg of the semifinal against Bayern Munich on April 28. The Moroccan defender had also raised concerns earlier in the season after spraining his left ankle in the fall of 2025. However, he looked sharp in training on Thursday and is expected to start on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Mendes has been sidelined for the last 21 days after taking a hit to his right thigh during the second leg of PSG’s Champions League quarterfinal against Liverpool at Anfield. The Portuguese full-back felt discomfort while tracking Mohamed Salah and was replaced by Lucas Hernández in the 38th minute. He has not featured since that match.
