Two weeks before the Champions League final in Budapest, PSG are managing bodies, not just tactics. Ousmane Dembélé said he will be ready for the final after a slight scare against Paris FC, and that is PSG's biggest late boost ahead of May 30. The club finished its domestic campaign a full fortnight before the final, then went into a friendly rehearsal on Saturday that lasted just over an hour.

How Dembélé's comments change PSG's outlook

Dembélé did not sound cautious. “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 metro.co.uk. He was even more direct when asked about May 30: “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.”

The numbers back up why PSG want him available. Dembélé has made 12 Champions League appearances this season, scored 7 goals and carries a 7.18 rating in the competition. PSG's recent form is mixed, with a LWWDD run in their last five, but the bigger point is simpler: their most dangerous attacking player sounds ready when it matters most.

Hakimi remains the main defensive doubt

The other side of the story is Achraf Hakimi. He has been out since a thigh injury in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, and L'Equipe says there is real concern he will be unable to start against Arsenal. That does not settle the issue either way, but it does mean PSG are still waiting for a clearer answer on one of the most important defensive positions.

Paris Saint Germain have spent the last stretch trying to get bodies back into shape before Budapest. Dembélé sounds ready. Hakimi does not have that same certainty yet.

Arsenal are carrying their own right-side problems too. Ben White is out for the season and Jurriën Timber is still recovering from a groin strain that has ruled him out since early March. That leaves the final shaped by fitness questions on both benches, but PSG's best news is still Dembélé's own confidence, and his numbers suggest the message is not empty talk.

FAQ

Will Ousmane Dembele be ready for the Champions League final?

Dembele said he is doing very well, that he had a slight scare against Paris FC, and that he will be ready for the final. He also said, “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.”

Why is PSG's injury news so important before the final?

PSG finished their domestic campaign a full fortnight before the Champions League final in Budapest on May 30, then held a friendly rehearsal on Saturday that lasted just over an hour. Dembele's availability is the biggest late boost, but Achraf Hakimi remains a concern after a thigh injury in the first leg of the semi-final.

How are Arsenal affected by injuries on the right side?

Arsenal are without Ben White for the season and Jurriën Timber is still recovering from a groin strain that has ruled him out since early March. That leaves their right side under pressure before the final.

Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →