With the Champions League final just around the corner, all eyes are on the Paris Saint-Germain as they prepare to face Arsenal. The biggest dilemma for manager Luis Enrique revolves around the fitness of two key players: Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembélé.

Enrique faces tough decisions as he finalizes his starting eleven. The lineup will hinge on whether Hakimi, sidelined since the semifinal clash with Bayern Munich, can regain full match sharpness in time for the showdown.

The goalkeeper’s spot appears settled: Matvej Safonov is set to start between the posts, having overtaken Lucas Chevalier in the first-choice hierarchy mid-season.

In defense, Nuno Mendes looks certain to occupy the left-back role, continuing his impressive form that has made him a standout performer for the French side.

The defensive core is expected to feature Marquinhos and Willian Pacho as the twin pillars at the heart of the backline.

Hakimi’s return in question

The right-back role presents Enrique with a pivotal choice. Hakimi, despite his absence from recent action, is tipped to reclaim his starting berth, potentially edging out Warren Zaïre-Emery. The young French midfielder could pivot to a deeper role, but Enrique appears inclined to stick with the trio of João Neves, Vitinha, and Fabián Ruiz, who have anchored the midfield all season.

Up front, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is poised to lead the attack from the left flank, a role he has made his own under Enrique’s guidance. Ousmane Dembélé, despite earlier concerns over his fitness, is expected to lead the line after regaining full match sharpness.

On the right wing, Désiré Doué is favored to start, overtaking Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos in the pecking order.

Anticipated starting lineup: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst