Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi is expected to be available for the Champions League final against Arsenal, dealing a blow to the Gunners' hopes. The Morocco international has been sidelined with a thigh injury sustained in the first leg of the semi-final against Bayern Munich.
Hakimi's Recovery Progress
The right-back, who has regularly captained the side while Marquinhos manages minutes in the league, missed the second leg in Munich last week. Despite that absence, Luis Enrique's team delivered a masterclass performance away from home to reach a second consecutive final. Initially, Hakimi was expected to miss the rest of the season, with doubts even emerging over his participation in this summer's World Cup. However, according to RMC Sport, the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan star is recovering well and should be ready for the final in Budapest on 30 May.
Additional Boost for PSG
PSG are also likely to be boosted by the availability of goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. An injury suffered in training last week raised fears his season could be over, but the report states he too hopes to be available for the showdown with the Gunners. Chevalier was signed from Lille last summer to be the new number one after Gianluigi Donnarumma left the French capital to join Manchester City. However, Matvei Safonov has been starting ahead of him since January, overtaking him in the pecking order.
Should Hakimi recover in time and avoid any further injury scares, PSG will have a fully fit squad to choose from when they meet Mikel Arteta's side at the Puskas Arena.
Arsenal's Right-Back Concerns
Arsenal have their own concerns at right-back regarding Jurrien Timber. The Dutchman has not played since mid-March, missing the last 11 games due to a groin problem. There has been no clear timeframe for his return, with Arteta confirming on Friday there is 'no chance' he will be involved against West Ham United on Sunday. More worryingly, he raised doubts about whether Timber would be seen again before the end of the season. 'I don't know, there is still a fair bit to do,' Arteta said. 'Everything needs to be so smooth and quick.'
