Dembélé tests his fitness ahead of Champions League final clash with Arsenal

The Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé stepped up his preparation on Friday, running solo drills at the Puskas Arena in Budapest ahead of Saturday’s high-stakes Champions League final against Arsenal.

Dembélé, who suffered a right calf injury during Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-2 loss to Paris FC in Ligue 1 on May 17, had just two weeks to recover before the biggest match of his career. The French winger, however, reassured doubters in a press conference on Friday afternoon, declaring he had “no fear” of missing out.

Dembélé confident despite recent setback

In front of the media, Dembélé addressed concerns about his fitness, stating: “I didn’t worry about missing the final. I’ve had ten or fifteen days to prepare. The technical staff managed the season perfectly. I feel 100% ready, the team is prepared, and we’re approaching this match with confidence. We hope everything goes well.”

The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, who has been instrumental in PSG’s Champions League campaign, took to the pitch shortly after his remarks to put his injury to the test. While his teammates focused on shooting drills, Dembélé completed several solo runs, appearing to move without any discomfort. The session concluded without incident, allowing him to rejoin the group seamlessly.

PSG’s final preparations in Budapest

PSG’s squad has been in Budapest since Wednesday, fine-tuning their tactics and sharpening their focus for the showpiece event. The French champions face Arsenal in a rematch of their 2021 final, with both teams vying for European glory at the Puskas Arena.

Dembélé’s availability will be crucial for Luis Enrique’s side, given his ability to unlock defenses with his dribbling and creativity. His recovery progress will be closely monitored as the clock ticks down to kickoff.