PSG have confirmed their squad for Saturday’s Champions League final against Arsenal in Budapest.
The French champions arrived in Budapest on Friday morning and have officially named 24 players in their travelling party.
And despite their fitness concerns leading up to the match, both Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembele have made the cut.
Hakimi had missed five games with a thigh problem, while Dembele suffered a calf scare during PSG’s final Ligue 1 fixture against Paris FC earlier this month.
Their inclusion in the official squad is a strong indication that both will feature on Saturday night.
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With Champions League rules allowing up to 12 substitutions to be named, one of the 24 players will effectively serve as a reserve — most likely third-choice goalkeeper Renato Marin, following standard protocol for such occasions.
That suggests Hakimi and Dembele are not simply making up the numbers. They are in contention to play.
For Arsenal, the news is a concern, but probably one they were preparing for.
Hakimi is one of the most dynamic right-backs in world football and a key outlet for PSG going forward, while Dembele, the Ballon d’Or winner, is one of the most dangerous forwards in Europe.
Arsenal waiting on good injury news of their own
Arsenal are expected to follow similar protocol with their own squad announcement.
The latest update on Jurrien Timber is encouraging, with the Dutch defender having returned to first-team training and come through with no issues.
That would give Arteta hope that his own first-choice right-back will be available to help keep out the formidable PSG attack.
Timber would be tasked with keeping out Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but will also provide more fluid support going forward partnering Bukayo Saka down the right flank.
PSG have their dangermen available. Arsenal will be hoping their own key players can say the same come Saturday evening.
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