Paris Saint-Germain named their squad for the Champions League final against Arsenal on Saturday and, crucially, included Ousmane Dembele and Achraf Hakimi — two players who had arrived at the finish line of the season as injury doubts. Dembele told reporters he felt “much better” after a late-season scare, saying, “I had a slight twinge in my calf, and I preferred not to take the risk,” and insisting he would be ready for the final.
That naming is why searches for PSG team news have spiked: the final kicks off at 5pm GMT on May 30, 2026 in Budapest and PSG are chasing a second consecutive Champions League title. With kickoff set and teams submitting their squads, every selection ripple matters — not least whether those two fit into a starting XI or are reserved for impact roles.
The inclusion itself is significant. Hakimi had been out since picking up a hamstring injury during the first leg of PSG’s semi-final with Bayern Munich, and Dembele was forced off after 27 minutes in PSG’s final Ligue 1 match against Paris FC with what he described as a minor calf problem. Their presence on the list suggests both are available for the match. PSG’s squad also lists goalkeepers Lucas Chevalier, Matvei Safonov and Renato Marin, midfield names such as Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha and Joao Neves and forwards including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Goncalo Ramos and Dembele, underlining the options the coach will weigh at selection.
But the inclusion does not erase the practical questions. Reports had already signalled that Hakimi was unlikely to start, even though he was included in the final squad, and he had not appeared since that semi-final first leg. Warren Zaire-Emery had deputised at right-back in his absence, and PSG must balance the value of Hakimi’s attacking punch — he opened PSG’s scoring in last season’s final against Inter Milan — against the risk of re-aggravating a hamstring problem in a match of this intensity.
Dembele has been emphatic about his own condition: “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 said, adding, “Will I be 100 per cent for the final? Yes, I think so.” Team-mate Bradley Barcola, named in the squad and a starter in PSG’s recent big matches, framed the mood: “It’s a great honour to be playing in a second final. We’re going to do everything we can to win it,” he said, pointing to collective preparation as PSG’s pathway.
The tactical question left hanging for supporters and Arsenal’s planners is whether PSG will risk Hakimi from the first whistle and start Dembele on the wing or use them as controlled, late-game introductions. That decision — made publicly in a lineup shortly before the 5pm GMT kickoff on May 30, 2026 — will determine not just PSG’s attack on the day but how Arsenal’s back line and full-backs are prepared to respond.
