Achraf Hakimi, the 27-year-old right-back for Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco, suffered an ankle injury following a nasty tackle by Luis Diaz (28-year-old forward) during the 2-1 defeat against Bayern Munich on Tuesday in the Champions League (Matchday 4). His absence will last several weeks, leading to uncertainty surrounding the start of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which begins on December 21. Moroccan national team coach Walid Regragui was asked to comment on the situation at a press conference. He was particularly clear.
Walid Regragui: “Of course he will be there, he is our best player and our leader.”
“I’m going to be clear in my communication: we will do everything to ensure Achraf Hakimi is 100% fit against Comoros. And even if he can’t, he will be there. Of course he will be there, he is our best player and our leader.”
If there’s one player who can make a quick comeback, it’s Achraf Hakimi. We have one of the best medical staffs in the world, like PSG’s. Our doctor went to Paris yesterday. Achraf will be with us for the AFCON, both on the pitch and in the locker room. He’ll only play if he’s 100% fit.
We have a good relationship with PSG. We reached an agreement for the Olympic Games, we gave him a break… He’s under contract with PSG and they manage him well.”
We can understand the Moroccan coach’s position, who prefers to be able to rely on his captain and one of the best players in the world in his position. Hakimi is undoubtedly just as determined to be there. Perhaps his tears, in addition to the pain, were partly related to the possibility of missing this AFCON on home soil.
It’s quite possible that PSG and the Moroccan national team will reach an agreement regarding the player’s presence, even if he can’t play. This is an important event, and there can be coordination regarding his treatment and rehabilitation. The key is to remain cautious about potential playing time. We shouldn’t risk the rest of the season.
But we’re far from that point. For now, everyone is focused on his full recovery. Let’s hope for relatively good news at the next medical update after the international break.
