The big meeting has arrived for PSG. This Saturday, in Budapest, Luis Enrique’s men challenge Arsenal in the Champions League final with the ambition of retaining the trophy won last year against Inter Milan. But a few hours before kick-off, a major question remains around an indisputable holder of the Parisian eleven.
According to information from Giovanni Castaldi, present on site for The Team ChannelAchraf Hakimi would not yet be at 100% of his means. During the last training session organized on Friday at the Ferenc-Puskas stadium, the Moroccan international reportedly showed signs of physical fatigue, to the point of sowing doubt in the minds of the Parisian staff.
“According to what has come back to the ears of Giovanni Castaldi, there remains a doubt about Achraf Hakimi and Warren Zaire-Emery could start in place of Hakimi as right back. During the setup, Hakimi lacked pep and rhythm”reported Olivier Ménard in The Evening Team.
Zaire-Emery ready to help
Hit in the thigh during the semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich and replaced at the end of the match, Hakimi has not played a single minute since. Luis Enrique then chose not to take any risks in order to allow him to fully recover before the most important deadline of the season. Returning to collective training this week, the Moroccan seemed on track to hold his place against the Gunners. However, his physical condition would continue to be closely monitored a few hours before the final.
If his absence would constitute a major blow for PSG, Warren Zaire-Emery has already demonstrated his ability to play as a right back when circumstances require it. Used several times in this role by Luis Enrique, notably in the return against Bayern Munich, the French midfielder has established himself as one of the most versatile players in the Parisian squad. The definitive answer will come with the publication of the official line-ups, shortly before the kick-off of this highly anticipated final against Arsenal.
