Arsenal and PSG Arrive in Budapest for Champions League Final
The stage is set in Budapest. Premier League champions Arsenal have touched down, Paris Saint-Germain are in town, and the final pieces of preparation for Saturday’s Champions League final are falling into place.
Both clubs have confirmed their travelling squads. Both arrive with a timely lift.
Timber back on board for Arsenal
For Mikel Arteta, the headline is clear: Jurrien Timber is on the plane.
The Dutch full-back, sidelined since March with a groin injury, was pictured boarding Arsenal’s flight to Hungary on Thursday. After weeks of rehabilitation and a return to training this week, his inclusion offers Arteta an unexpected option at the sharp end of a season that has already delivered the Premier League trophy.
Whether Timber is fit enough to start or simply to offer cover from the bench, his versatility across the back line could prove crucial against the reigning European champions.
Arsenal’s travelling squad underlines the depth that has carried them this far. David Raya, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Tommy Setford cover the goalkeeping department, while a stacked defensive unit features Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie, William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhaes, Timber and Marli Salmon.
In midfield, Arteta leans again on his established core: Declan Rice, captain Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi, supported by Eberechi Eze, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Mikel Merino and Christian Norgaard. It is a blend of control, craft and legs designed for the biggest stage.
Up front, Arsenal travel heavy. Gabriel Jesus, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Max Dowman make up an attacking group capable of stretching any defence in Europe.
They arrive in Budapest not just as challengers, but as champions of England, chasing a historic double.
PSG welcome Dembele and Hakimi boost
Across the divide, Luis Enrique also has reason to smile.
Ousmane Dembele and Achraf Hakimi, both fitness doubts in the build-up, have been named in PSG’s travelling squad. Their presence on the flight is a significant boost for the French side.
Dembele picked up an injury in the final Ligue 1 game of the season against Paris FC and has been absent from training since. Hakimi, scorer against Arsenal in last season’s semi-final, has been missing since the first leg of this year’s semi-final against Bayern Munich.
Both now make the trip to Hungary. In a final of fine margins, the potential return of Dembele’s direct running and Hakimi’s relentless surges from right-back could tilt the balance.
Luis Enrique’s goalkeeping options are Lucas Chevalier, Matvey Safonov and Renato Marin. In front of them, a defensive group of Hakimi, Lucas Beraldo, Marquinhos, Illia Zabarnyi, Lucas Hernandez, Nuno Mendes and Willian Pacho offers a mix of experience and emerging talent.
PSG’s midfield is anchored by Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha, with Senny Mayulu, Dro Fernandez, Warren Zaire-Emery and Joao Neves adding energy and invention. It is a unit built to press, to recycle the ball quickly and to feed the attacking stars who will carry the club’s hopes.
Budapest awaits a heavyweight clash
Arsenal arrive riding the high of a Premier League title. PSG travel with the aura of Champions League holders and the quiet confidence of a squad that has been here before.
Timber’s return on one side. Dembele and Hakimi’s presence on the other. Both managers now have almost all their cards on the table.
Budapest will decide who plays them best.
