Arsenal vs PSG: Arsenal make bold selection calls for Champions League final

MUNICH: Arsenal have made several notable selection decisions for Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, with defender Jurrien Timber left on the bench despite recovering from injury and Kai Havertz chosen to lead the attack.

Timber, who had been sidelined since March with a groin injury but was recently declared fit, was not included in Arsenal’s starting lineup for the showpiece clash.

Instead, Cristhian Mosquera was handed the start at right back, while 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly was selected in midfield ahead of Martin Zubimendi.

In attack, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta opted for Havertz as the lone striker, choosing the German international over Viktor Gyokeres for the biggest match of the club’s season.

Havertz brings proven pedigree on the grand stage, having scored the winning goal in Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League final.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique named what is widely considered his preferred starting lineup.

The French champions were boosted by the return of key players Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembele, both of whom recovered fully from recent injury concerns.

Hakimi started at left back, while Dembele was included in the attacking line as PSG sought to secure their first Champions League title.

With both sides fielding strong lineups, the final promised to be a closely contested battle between two teams chasing European glory.