Achraf Hakimi is edging closer to a return for Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal at Puskas Arena on Saturday, offering a significant boost to Luis Enrique's side as they bid to win back-to-back European titles.

The Morocco captain, 27, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in the first leg of PSG's semi-final against Bayern Munich — a remarkable 5-4 encounter at the Allianz Arena last month. He also missed the second leg of that tie and four of PSG's final Ligue 1 fixtures of the season.

Training return lifts PSG's hopes

According to AS, Hakimi resumed group training on Tuesday and has been named in the squad for the final, though PSG have stopped short of guaranteeing his availability. His inclusion in the group is nonetheless a welcome development for the French champions.

Both PSG and Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi have been monitoring Hakimi's recovery closely, with the Champions League final and FIFA World Cup 2026 both looming on the horizon.

Hakimi's importance to PSG's campaign cannot be understated. He scored the decisive last goal of last season's semi-final against Arsenal and opened the scoring in PSG's emphatic final victory over Inter Milan. Prior to the Bayern Munich semi-final, he had featured in every Champions League knockout fixture this season.

More than just a full-back

AS noted that, while Hakimi is nominally a right-back, his impact stretches far beyond defensive duties. The Madrid-born wing-back regularly occupies positions that few in his role would attempt, making him a central figure in Luis Enrique's attacking system.

Ousmane Dembele is also expected to be fit for the final after shaking off a minor injury of his own, giving PSG further cause for optimism ahead of the showpiece in Budapest.

Paris Saint-Germain are appearing in the Champions League final for the second consecutive season, having knocked Arsenal out at the semi-final stage last year. The Gunners, who have since claimed the Premier League title, will be determined to exact revenge at Puskas Arena.