PSG's Champions League Final Preparations Hit by Double Injury Scare
The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) team, led by manager Luis Enrique, faced a double injury scare ahead of their upcoming Champions League final against Arsenal. This development has forced Enrique to make last-minute changes to his starting lineup, potentially impacting their strategy and performance.
Ousmane Dembele, who was making just his 11th Ligue 1 start of the season, had to be substituted shortly before halftime at the Stade Jean Bouin due to a suspected calf injury. This came as a surprise, given that PSG had already secured the Ligue 1 title and were playing a relatively strong team. Dembele's replacement, Goncalo Ramos, took the field, and Enrique's decision to take no risks ahead of the Champions League final on May 30th was evident.
Enrique downplayed the injury, stating that Dembele is 'fine' and that it's likely just fatigue. However, the concern remains, especially with the player having just under two weeks to prove his fitness. This injury scare adds to the challenges PSG faces as they aim to defend their European crown and potentially inflict a second Champions League final defeat on Arsenal.
Another player, Bradley Barcola, who opened the scoring against Paris, is also not 100% fit. He has been dealing with an ankle injury sustained in the round of 16 second leg win over Chelsea, which resulted in a month-long absence from action. Since his return, Barcola has only managed to complete a full 90 minutes once in ten appearances, indicating that his recovery is still ongoing.
The injury concerns extend further, as Achraf Hakimi, Willian Pacho, and Nuno Mendes all missed the recent defeat to Paris FC. However, there is some positive news, as these players are expected to be fit for the Champions League final, providing Enrique with a more comprehensive squad to choose from.
This double injury scare has undoubtedly added an element of uncertainty to PSG's preparations for the Champions League final. It will be fascinating to see how Enrique and the team adapt to these challenges and whether they can overcome them to secure a successful outcome against Arsenal.
