Arsenal list Ricky Calafiori on the bench for the Champions League final in Budapest after a midweek fitness concern; Piero Hincapie starts at left-back, Jurrien Timber is available as a substitute, and PSG pick a familiar outfield XI.
The Champions League final at the Puskas Arena in Budapest sees Arsenal adapt their back line after a fitness hiccup. Ricky Calafiori will not start the match but has been named among the substitutes, having featured for 45 minutes in the Premier League finale against Crystal Palace before being withdrawn at half-time.
Despite taking part in training during the build-up, the left-back was judged not fully recovered to start.
Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the situation publicly, explaining that the coaching staff detected an issue with Calafiori during the week. As a result, Arsenal have opted to begin the game with Piero Hincapie occupying the left-back role.
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of defence Cristhian Mosquera has been chosen to contend with one of PSG’s most dangerous attackers, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Why Calafiori is on the bench
Calafiori’s half-time substitution in Arsenal’s recent Premier League match prompted a cautious approach in the final preparations.
The club allowed him to join training sessions as they assessed his condition, but the staff ultimately concluded that starting him would carry unnecessary risk. Arteta’s comment to TNT Sports—that they had “sensed an issue with him in the week”—summarises the medical and tactical caution that informed the decision.
Medical prudence and tactical implications
From a medical standpoint, the choice reflects a preference for preserving player availability over immediate selection. From a tactical angle, Hincapie’s inclusion at left-back alters Arsenal’s defensive profile: his characteristics differ from Calafiori’s, which may slightly adjust how the team manages width and press triggers against PSG’s attack. The plan keeps Calafiori ready to contribute if needed while avoiding an early setback.
Timber’s return and bench options
Jurrien Timber represents another selection storyline. The Dutch defender completed training during the week and pushed to reclaim a place in the starting XI after more than two months on the sidelines. Although he has made significant progress and has been named among the substitutes, Arteta and the medical team judged that starting him would be too large a gamble. Timber’s presence on the bench, however, means he could still influence the match if brought on.
Squad depth and in-game flexibility
Arsenal’s bench composition indicates a desire for tactical flexibility: having Timber available offers the manager an option to freshen the defense later in the game without exposing Timber to early match intensity. Calafiori’s bench role likewise provides cover at left-back, allowing Arsenal to respond to developments such as injuries or tactical switches by the opponent.
PSG’s settled selection and context
On the other side of the dressing room, Paris Saint-Germain fielded a largely settled team. Manager Luis Enrique named the same ten outfield players who started PSG’s 5-0 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan the previous season, signalling continuity and a clear tactical blueprint. That starting XI points to a side confident in its core group and focused on executing a familiar game plan at the Puskas Arena.
Match stakes and historical notes
For PSG, lifting the Champions League last season marked a milestone; they return with a side that largely mirrors their recent success. For Arsenal, the occasion presents an opportunity to win the title for the first time in the club’s history at this level. The contrasting approaches to squad selection—Arsenal managing a late fitness concern, PSG sticking with a proven starting XI—set the scene for a tactical and emotional contest.
As kickoff approaches, the football world will watch whether Arsenal’s precautionary choices pay off and if Timber or Calafiori are called upon to change the game. Meanwhile, PSG’s experienced outfield unit will aim to replicate the cohesion that delivered them continental glory previously. Both teams head into the match with defined plans shaped by fitness, form, and recent success.
