PSG Get Major Lift Against Arsenal: Two Key Players Return as Starting Lineup Takes Shape

Paris Saint-Germain head to the Hungarian capital looking to become only the second club to successfully defend the Champions League title since the competition was relaunched under its current format in 1992.

The Ligue 1 title holders were commanding winners in last year's final, dismantling Inter Milan 5–0 in Munich. It was among the most breathtaking displays ever witnessed on this stage, and consecutive triumphs for Luis Enrique's squad would thrust them into conversations about all-time greatness.

This could be one of the greatest sides ever assembled, even if certain vulnerabilities exist. Critically, however, Enrique has his full complement of key players available for Saturday's showpiece, where newly-crowned Premier League champions Arsenal stand in their way.

Achraf Hakimi Cleared to Start Final

It appeared Achraf Hakimi's campaign was over when he suffered a hamstring injury during the first leg of PSG's thrilling semifinal clash with Bayern Munich. Yet the right back has made remarkable strides in his recovery in the days leading up to the final.

Hakimi rejoined full team training during the week and appears set to reclaim his spot in Enrique's starting eleven for the showdown. Warren Zaïre-Emery deputized admirably for the Moroccan and remains an option should Hakimi not be deemed fully ready.

Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembélé sustained a knock on the final day of the Ligue 1 campaign against Paris FC and missed some training sessions as a result. Nevertheless, Dembélé also returned to the group during the week and is virtually certain to feature from the start.

Beyond that, PSG have no significant fitness worries. Backup goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, brought in to replace Gianluigi Donnarumma, has been included in the squad after overcoming a thigh complaint, though Russian stopper Matvey Safonov was always the clear first choice between the sticks.

PSG Predicted Lineup vs. Bayern Munich (4-3-3)

GK: Matvey Safonov—He may not quite match Donnarumma's pedigree, but Safonov has grown into the role as the season has unfolded. The Russian will be hoping to replicate the heroics of his predecessor in Munich last season.

RB: Achraf Hakimi—Hakimi's build-up to the final has been far from ideal, though he does have a full week of training behind him. PSG can operate without him, but they are significantly more threatening when the Moroccan is surging forward down the right side.

CB: Marquinhos—The Brazilian will make his 122nd appearance in this competition on Saturday, including his third final. He is the sole remaining link to the side that suffered a 1–0 defeat to Bayern Munich six years ago.

CB: Willian Pacho—Pacho has had a few shaky moments during the knockout rounds, but his display in the second leg of the semifinal against Bayern was nothing short of exceptional. When PSG need someone to dig deep, the Ecuadorian consistently rises to the occasion.

LB: Nuno Mendes—Mendes has historically relished his matchups against Bukayo Saka, though the Englishman has looked razor-sharp since returning from an Achilles injury. Their head-to-head battle promises to be captivating.

CM: Vitinha—Arsenal will be well aware that disrupting Vitinha is key to stopping PSG from controlling the tempo. The Portuguese midfielder is the brilliant, rhythmic engine room of Enrique's system.

CM: João Neves—This could be a final where Arsenal compel unexpected heroes to step up. Look for the astute Neves, who carries a genuine threat in the final third, to exert considerable influence on the match.

CM: Fabián Ruiz—The Spaniard has been back in action for roughly a month, and his importance to PSG's midfield cannot be overstated. A dynamic box-to-box presence, Fabián contributes meaningfully across all phases of play.

RW: Désiré Doué—Having dazzled in last season's final, Doué will face a stern test against the most defensively disciplined side on the continent.

ST: Ousmane Dembélé—Dembélé's strike at the Emirates in last season's semifinal proved the catalyst for PSG's run. The Frenchman has been slightly less consistent this time around, but he remains the focal point of PSG's formidable attacking unit.

LW: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia—A strong case can be made that 'Kvaradona' is the finest player on the planet right now. The explosive winger has contributed to 10 goals throughout the knockout stages and has registered a goal involvement in each of his last seven Champions League appearances.