Paris Saint-Germain have received a massive injury boost ahead of their UEFA Champions League final clash with Arsenal after defender Achraf Hakimi returned to training.
The French champions confirmed on Tuesday that the Morocco international has resumed individual outdoor sessions following the thigh injury he suffered during PSG’s semi-final victory over Bayern Munich.
Hakimi’s return comes as a significant relief for manager Luis Enrique, especially after fears emerged that the 27-year-old could miss the remainder of the season and possibly the upcoming World Cup.
PSG secured their place in the Champions League final after edging Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate, while Arsenal booked a historic return to the final by overcoming Atletico Madrid.
The final is expected to be one of the biggest fixtures in European football this season, with Arsenal chasing their first Champions League title and PSG aiming to defend their crown.
In a medical update released by the club, PSG confirmed that Hakimi, goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, and Quentin Ndjantou are all progressing in recovery.
“Achraf Hakimi, Lucas Chevalier and Quentin Ndjantou are training individually outdoors,” the club said in a statement.
However, the Ligue 1 giants also revealed a fresh injury setback involving midfielder Kang-In Lee, who sustained an ankle injury during the 1-0 victory over Brest last weekend.
“Following an injury to his left ankle during the match against Brest, Kang-In Lee will be training indoors over the next few days,” the statement added.
PSG further disclosed that Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes, and Warren Zaire-Emery are still undergoing rehabilitation as they continue their recovery programmes.
Despite the injury concerns, PSG remain on course to secure another domestic title and only require one point against second-placed Lens on Wednesday to officially clinch the league crown.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are battling growing injury problems ahead of the final.
The Gunners are reportedly without Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, and Mikel Merino, leaving Mikel Arteta with limited defensive options during a crucial stage of the season.
Declan Rice was even forced to operate as an emergency right-back during Arsenal’s recent 1-0 victory over West Ham, while youngster Cristhian Mosquera could now be called upon to fill defensive gaps.
With both clubs dealing with fitness concerns, attention is already shifting toward what promises to be a tense and highly anticipated Champions League final showdown later this month.
