Achraf Hakimi Cleared for PSG's Champions League Final Against Arsenal

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has confirmed that star defender Achraf Hakimi is fit and available for Saturday’s Champions League final against Arsenal at the Puskas Arena in Budapest. Hakimi had been sidelined since sustaining a muscular injury during PSG’s dramatic 5-4 semifinal victory over Bayern Munich. His return provides a significant tactical boost for the French side as they look to secure the European title.

Beyond Hakimi, Luis Enrique announced that both Nuno Mendes and Ousmane Dembele have recovered from their respective fitness concerns and are cleared to play. This return to full strength arrives at a critical juncture for PSG, as they prepare to face an Arsenal side coming off a hard-fought Premier League title campaign. The availability of these key players allows Enrique to field his preferred starting XI for the season's most important match.

In his pre-match press conference, Enrique expressed profound respect for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, acknowledging the difficulty of winning the Premier League against a formidable Manchester City side. The PSG manager emphasized that while both teams have already achieved domestic success, the Champions League final represents a unique challenge. With both squads at full health, the match is set to be a high-stakes tactical battle between two of Europe's most disciplined managers.

For PSG, the return of Hakimi is particularly vital, as his attacking prowess from the right flank will be essential in breaking down Arsenal’s defensive structure. Furthermore, this recovery is a positive development for the Moroccan national team, as Hakimi is expected to feature prominently in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. As the final approaches, the focus shifts to whether PSG’s reinforced lineup can overcome the momentum of an Arsenal team aiming to cap off a historic season with a European trophy.