Ousmane Dembélé, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, took to the field in Budapest on Friday for a crucial fitness test ahead of the highly anticipated Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. The French winger, sidelined with a right calf injury sustained during PSG’s 2-1 Ligue 1 loss to Paris FC on May 17, underwent a series of solo runs on the Puskás Aréna pitch.

confidence high despite injury concerns

Following a morning press conference where he addressed doubts surrounding his availability, Dembélé left no room for speculation. “I never feared missing this final,” he declared. “I’ve had two weeks to prepare, and the medical staff has managed my recovery perfectly. I’m at 100%, the team is ready, and we’ve approached this match with complete serenity. We’re hoping for a smooth game.”

The 2025 Ballon d’Or recipient then joined his teammates for training, where he participated in light running drills while others worked on shooting exercises. His return to action appeared seamless, with no visible signs of discomfort during the session.

final preparation in full swing

The Hungarian capital is buzzing with football fever as both teams put the finishing touches on their preparations. PSG, chasing their first Champions League title, and Arsenal, aiming to secure their first European crown since 2006, are locked in intense training regimes ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

Dembélé’s presence on the pitch is a major boost for PSG’s ambitions, as his creativity and pace are crucial to their attacking play. The French forward’s recovery progress has been closely monitored by club officials, who remain optimistic about his condition.