Paris Saint-Germain will have Achraf Hakimi available for Wednesday night’s Champions League playoff return leg against AS Monaco at the Parc des Princes, but Ousmane Dembélé will not feature in the squad. The confirmation comes as PSG aims to secure its place in the Champions League group stage, with the tie finely poised after a 3-2 victory for PSG in the first leg.
The availability of Hakimi, a key defender for PSG, is a boost for manager Luis Enrique. The Moroccan international has been a consistent performer for the club and his presence will be vital against Monaco’s attacking threat. According to AS USA, PSG managed to overturn a two-goal deficit in the first leg, signaling their resilience in this crucial competition.
However, the absence of Dembélé is a setback for the Parisian side. The French winger has been struggling with injury and has not been deemed fit enough to participate in the match. The nature of Dembélé’s injury was not specified in initial reports, but his exclusion from the squad indicates This proves significant enough to prevent his involvement.
Hakimi’s Importance to PSG’s Defensive Line
Achraf Hakimi, born November 4, 1998, is a Moroccan professional footballer widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world. Wikipedia details his career trajectory, starting from Real Madrid Castilla and progressing through successful loan spells at Borussia Dortmund and a pivotal stint at Inter Milan before joining PSG in 2021. He currently captains the Morocco national team and has 93 international caps, scoring 11 goals as of January 18, 2026. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a crucial asset for PSG, particularly in high-stakes matches like the Champions League playoff.
Hakimi’s attacking prowess provides width and support in PSG’s offensive plays, while his defensive skills are essential in containing Monaco’s dangerous forwards. His experience in European competitions will be invaluable as PSG seeks to navigate the challenges of the Champions League.
Dembélé’s Injury and Impact on PSG’s Attack
Ousmane Dembélé’s absence leaves a void in PSG’s attacking options. The French international is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to create scoring opportunities. His injury disrupts the team’s attacking fluidity and forces manager Luis Enrique to consider alternative options.
While PSG boasts a wealth of attacking talent, including Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos, Dembélé’s unique skillset will be missed. The first leg saw Ramos come close to scoring, with a header saved by Monaco’s goalkeeper Philipp Köhn in the 91st minute, as reported by AS USA. Enrique will need to carefully assess his options and select a lineup that can effectively compensate for Dembélé’s absence.
Match Details and Context
The Champions League playoff return leg between PSG and Monaco is a crucial encounter for both teams. PSG is eager to return to the group stage of the competition, while Monaco is determined to upset the odds and secure a coveted spot. The match is scheduled to be played at the Parc des Princes, providing PSG with a home advantage.
The first leg, played on February 17, 2026, ended in a 3-2 victory for PSG, but Monaco demonstrated their competitiveness by taking a two-goal lead before PSG mounted a comeback. The match featured a flurry of late action, with Nuno Mendes having a shot saved in the 93rd minute, as detailed in the AS USA match report. This suggests a closely contested affair is anticipated in the return leg.
Looking Ahead
Following the match against Monaco, PSG will await the Champions League group stage draw, should they secure qualification. The club will then focus on domestic competitions, including Ligue 1, where they will aim to maintain their position at the top of the table. The next confirmed update will be the official announcement of the match result and subsequent Champions League draw details.
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