PSG boss Luis Enrique opts for Achraf Hakimi in the right-back role, Warren Zaire-Emery benched

PSG head coach Luis Enrique has reportedly opted to go with Achraf Hakimi for the right-back role, benching Warren Zaire-Emery.

According to an early update by Canal+ Foot, Luis Enrique has benched versatile midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery to proceed with the injury returnee Achraf Hakimi for the right-back position for the Champions League final against Arsenal. The young Frenchman has even lost his starting spot in midfield as Fabian Ruiz is set to start in the engine room.

The Moroccan international had picked up a thigh injury during PSG’s Champions League semi-final first leg clash against Bayern Munich, which ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Zaire-Emery deputised well on his part in the role, which is quite unnatural from his usual midfield duties.

Enrique has bet hugely on the 20-year-old on numerous occasions throughout the long season; however, he drew the line on his guarantee as a starter in the UCL final. Perhaps the Spanish boss is looking for more experience in the position to keep the likes of Bukayo Saka quiet.

The official line-ups for both teams are yet to be out, with the game set to begin just over an hour from now. Meanwhile, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta faces a crisis in his own right-back position as Jurrien Timber has been out since the March international break and Ben White is sidelined due to a long-term injury. Cristhian Mosquera is expected to be handed the task of keeping PSG’s dangerous Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at bay over the 90 minutes of the hotly contested final, which could even go to penalties.