Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique is still sweating on the fitness of two massive stars ahead of Saturday's Champions League final against Arsenal in Budapest.
While the French champions boast a terrifyingly prolific attack, late injury scares to Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembele have forced the coaching staff into heavy tactical deliberations. Here is a closer look at the key selection decisions and the predicted Paris Saint-Germain starting XI for the Puskas Arena showpiece.
The primary concern for PSG revolves around star right-back Achraf Hakimi. The defender suffered a moderate hamstring injury against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals. Even if passed fit, he will likely have to settle for a spot on the bench. As a result, Enrique should
deploy Warren Zaire-Emery as a makeshift right-back alongside Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, and Nuno Mendes, the latter of whom is expected to overcome a minor thigh niggle.
The backline will shield Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, who has firmly established himself as Enrique's number one over Lucas Chevalier (who is currently struggling with a thigh problem of his own).
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Further up the pitch, Ousmane Dembele hurt his calf during a 2-1 loss to Paris FC on the final day of the Ligue 1 season, coming off after just 27 minutes. However, the move was largely precautionary, and Dembele is confident he will shake off the minor issue to start.
With Zaire-Emery dropping to right-back, Fabian Ruiz who notably scored a stunner against Arsenal in last year's semi-finals will link up with the dynamic Portuguese pair of Joao Neves and Vitinha in the engine room.
Dembele is on course to start on the right, joining Desire Doue and the sensational Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in attack.
For Kvaratskhelia, there is an added piece of individual history on the line: the Georgian needs just one more goal to set a new all-time record for the most goals in a single Champions League season for PSG. His current total of 10 currently ties him with club legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Paris Saint-Germain Predicted Starting XI vs Arsenal
Safonov; Zaire-Emery, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
