Arsenal could be facing an understrength Paris Saint-Germain side in next weekend's Champions League final, with doubts emerging over the fitness of two of the holders' key players. The Ligue 1 giants finished their domestic campaign last weekend, a full fortnight ahead of the showpiece final in Budapest.
PSG's Injury Concerns
In an effort to keep his players fresh and focused, PSG head coach Luis Enrique arranged a friendly on Saturday between members of his first-team squad. Described by Le Parisien as a 'full-scale rehearsal' for their meeting with the Gunners, the two teams played for just over an hour in a high-intensity session. Two key players were, however, notable absentees: Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembele.
The Morocco international full-back has been out of action since suffering a thigh injury in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against PSG. According to L'Équipe, there is now real concern Hakimi will be unable to start against Arsenal, while the doubt around Dembele will heighten if he is missing from Tuesday's training session.
Dembele's Optimism
The Ballon d'Or holder attempted to downplay concerns about his availability by issuing an upbeat injury update. 'I'm doing very well. I had a slight scare against Paris FC, but I'm fine and I'll be ready for the final,' he told RMC Sport. 'Will I be 100% for the final? Yes, yes, I think so, yes, I'll be ready. I have no doubt about it, I hope to be on the pitch on May 30.'
Arsenal's Injury Boost
Arsenal, too, have injury concerns, particularly at right-back where Ben White is out for the season and Jurrien Timber is still recovering from the groin strain that has ruled him out since early March. However, Mikel Merino is close to making his return, having taken part in first-team training earlier this week. The Spain international has been out of action since January with a serious foot injury that threatened his participation at the World Cup.
Merino is expected to play some part this afternoon as the Gunners finish their Premier League campaign at Crystal Palace. This double boost could be crucial for Arsenal as they prepare to face PSG in the final.
