Ousmane Dembele has delivered a major boost to Paris Saint-Germain ahead of tonight's Champions League final against Arsenal by insisting fitness concerns are behind him and declaring himself ready for the biggest match of the season.
The France international had emerged as an injury doubt after being forced off during PSG's final Ligue 1 fixture against Paris FC earlier this month.
Dembele lasted only 27 minutes before being withdrawn with what was later diagnosed as a calf problem, raising fears the Ballon d'Or winner could miss the showdown with Arsenal.
However, speaking ahead of the final, the 29-year-old moved to ease concerns and revealed the decision to leave the pitch was largely precautionary.
"I wasn't scared about missing the final," Dembele said.
"I had a niggle, so I stopped playing so I could be fit for the final.
"It has been a long season with no rest, going back to the Club World Cup, and the staff has managed that workload well.
"But personally, I am 100 per cent ready to play and I'm hopeful things will go well tomorrow."
Ousmane Dembele has delivered a major boost to Paris Saint-Germain ahead of tonight's Champions League final against Arsenal by insisting fitness concerns are behind him and declaring himself ready for the biggest match of the season
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Ousmane Dembele has been sensational for PSG once again this season as they prepare to face Arsenal
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Dembele's comments will come as welcome news for PSG boss Luis Enrique, who is seeking to guide the French giants to back-to-back Champions League titles.
The former Barcelona winger played a key role in last season's European triumph and remains one of the club's most influential attacking players heading into another final.
PSG have also received encouraging news regarding Achraf Hakimi.
The Morocco international has not featured since suffering a thigh injury during the semi-final victory over Bayern Munich on April 28.
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Questions had remained over whether the attacking full-back would recover in time for Saturday's clash, but Hakimi returned to training this week and has been declared available.
Enrique confirmed the defender had overcome his injury issues and would be ready for selection.
Dembele heads into the final after a remarkable 12 months that saw the forward crowned Ballon d'Or winner following PSG's Champions League success.
The Frenchman was instrumental throughout the European campaign and finished with eight goal contributions as the Paris club finally cemented themselves among Europe's elite.
Yet despite collecting football's most prestigious individual prize, Dembele insists team success remains far more important.
"It didn't really change anything - how I play or who I am," he said.
"I have more responsibility on my shoulders now, and that comes with experience anyway, but I want to be great on the pitch in the big games and the smaller games.
"So nothing has changed. I still have the appetite to win things with the staff and the team.
Arsenal will fancy their chances against PSG following their recent Premier League title triumph
| GETTY"Individual prizes get people talking, but they are secondary. I just want to win with PSG and keep the fans happy."
Dembele also stressed that last year's European success has not led to any complacency within the squad despite PSG entering the final as reigning champions.
The forward described last season's triumph as a historic moment for the club but insisted attention quickly shifted towards achieving more success.
"We always want to be playing a Champions League final at the end of May," Dembele added.
"We won for the first time last year, a historic night for PSG, but we have since reset everything."
With Dembele declaring himself fully fit and Hakimi also expected to feature, Arsenal have every right to be concerned.
However, given they're now Premier League champions, Mikel Arteta's men will fancy their chances of finally ending their wait for European glory.