Ousmane Dembele and Achraf Hakimi are set to return to training with Paris Saint-Germain today, raising hopes that both will be available for the Champions League final.
RMC Sport report (via GFFN) that both Ousmane Dembele and Achraf Hakimi will take part in Tuesday’s training session, returning to the training pitches after their recent injuries.
There had been significant doubt over Hakimi’s availability for the Champions League final this weekend, with L’Equipe reporting that the defender could miss the game.
But Hakimi’s return to training is one step towards an on-field comeback, with the caveat that he’s now had almost a month without any minutes and might not be sharp enough for a start on Saturday anyway. Arsenal are in a similar position with Jurrien Timber.
As for Dembele, there’s a much stronger expectation that he’ll be available for PSG against Arsenal.
“I’m doing very well,” Dembele said last week. “I had a slight scare against Paris FC, but I’m fine and I’ll be ready for the final.
“Yes, I think so (I’ll be 100% for the final). Yes, I’ll be ready. I have no doubt about it. I hope to be on the pitch on May 30th.
“I’ve had so many minor scares or major injuries in my career, whether here at PSG or even before, especially with the big matches coming up, especially this final, I preferred to stop and above all not take any risks.”
Dembele was forced off early in PSG’s final league game, withdrawn in the first half hour against Paris FC.
But Dembele failing to complete 90 minutes for PSG is a common sight in Ligue 1 this season. He’s missed 12 games completely, coming on as a substitute 11 times, and starting on a further 11 occasions – but only completing the full match in one of those 11 starts.
By contrast, the winger has started 10 of 16 Champions League games, completing four full 90s.
Once again, it looks like Dembele has successfully avoided straining himself in a league match so he can arrive for a European fixture with something left in the tank.
- Arsenal not interested in Barcelona swap dealSuggestions that Arsenal could look to include Piero Hincapie in a swap deal with Barcelona have been shot down, as the Gunners want to keep the left-back.
- 7 Arsenal youngsters called up to England youth teamsSeven Arsenal players have been called up to the England youth teams, including in-form summer signings Mylo Bernard and Vincent Joseph.
- 3 Arsenal players get senior Spain calls, 1 in u21 squadThree Arsenal players have been included in the Spain squad for the November international break, whilst Cristhian Mosquera will be with the u21s.
- Boost for Arsenal as key international not called upWilliam Saliba hasn’t been called up to the latest France squad, but it appears that’s the outcome Arsenal were hoping for.
- England’s Tuchel heaps praise on Arsenal internationalEngland boss Thomas Tuchel has praised Ben White as one of Arsenal’s standout players, after including the right-back in his latest squad.