PSG manager Luis Enrique confirms the star fullback is fit to face Arsenal in Budapest after recovering from a thigh injury
Achraf Hakimi is set to participate in the Champions League final against Arsenal, as confirmed by PSG manager Luis Enrique during a pre-match press conference on Friday. The highly anticipated match will take place at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on Saturday. Hakimi, who will also compete for Morocco in the 2026 World Cup this summer, has been sidelined due to a muscular injury sustained in PSG’s thrilling 5-4 victory over Bayern Munich during the Champions League semifinals. After contributing an assist in the first leg, Hakimi’s right thigh fatigue forced him to miss the subsequent four Ligue 1 matches and the second leg against Bayern at the Allianz Arena. The news of his recovery is timely, as he prepares to join the Moroccan national team, which faces Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in the World Cup group stage under the guidance of coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
In the same press briefing, Luis Enrique provided updates on his squad’s fitness, confirming that both Nuno Mendes and Ousmane Dembele have recovered and are expected to play in the final against Arsenal. Their availability bolsters PSG’s chances as they aim for European glory.
Enrique also took the opportunity to commend his opponent, Mikel Arteta, who leads Arsenal into their first Champions League final after securing the Premier League title. Enrique remarked, “They are fine and able to play,” before acknowledging Arteta’s achievements. He praised Arsenal’s Premier League triumph, especially given Manchester City’s formidable challenge. “Arteta has been there six and a half years, and he knows them inside and out. I don’t think there is any better motivation than winning the Champions League, but we will see. We will see who wins. Because that is it. We have won our leagues, and I will focus on what is best for our team.”
Achraf Hakimi will be able to play the Champions League final against Arsenal that will take place at the Puskas Arena on Saturday in Budapest, PSG manager Luis Enrique said during the pre-match press conference that took place on Friday. Hakimi, who will also represent Morocco at the 2026 World Cup this summer, missed the last matches of the season after sustaining a muscular injury during the exciting 5-4 win in Paris in the Champions Legaue semifinal against Bayern Munich. Hakimi, after providing one assist in the first leg, sustained muscular fatigue in his right thigh during the final minutes and was later forced to miss the remaining four Ligue 1 games and the second leg of the Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich that took place at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The expectation, now confirmed by the PSG manager, was that he would able to be back for the final act of the European tournament and be ready to play with Morocco at the World Cup, where the national team coached by Mohamed Ouahbi will face Brazil, Scotland and Haiti in the group stage.
How to watch Arsenal vs. PSG, odds
- Date: Saturday, May 30 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Puskas Arena — Budapest, Hungary
- TV: CBS | Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: PSG +130; Draw +230; Arsenal +220
What did Luis Enrique say?
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final, Luis Enrique briefed the media on the injury status of his roster and said that both Nuno Mendes and Ousmane Dembele are also fit and expected to play against Arsenal on Saturday.
“They are fine and able to play,” and also praised the work done by his rival Mikel Arteta, who, after winning the Premier League title with the Gunners will also manage his first ever Champions League final. “I am not surprised, especially with what he has done this year. They are worthy of winning the Premier League, the best team in the league. It was not easy with Manchester City on their tails. Arteta has been there six and a half years, and he knows them inside and out. I don’t think there is any better motivation than winning the Champions League, but we will see. We will see who wins. Because that is it. We have won our leagues, and I will focus on what is best for our team.”
