L’image left an impression. That of Achraf Hakimi, his face in the lawn of the Parc des Princes, before leaving the field in tears, supported by the medical staff. Victim of a dangerous tackle by Luis Diaz during the defeat against Bayern Munich, the defender suffered a serious ankle injury which will keep him away from the field for a long time. For Paris Saint-Germain, it is the start of a complex period without one of its most influential players.
A decisive end-of-year calendar
Based on an estimated unavailability of between eight and ten weeks, Achraf Hakimi’s absence coincides with a series of crucial meetings. In Ligue 1, he will miss the trips to Lyon and especially to Monaco, the shock against a competitor at the top of the table. In the Champions League, his absence will be detrimental for the reception of Tottenham and the perilous trip to Bilbao, two decisive matches for qualification. The Moroccan will also not be able to take part in two finals: the historic one of the Intercontinental Cup in December in Doha, as well as the Champions Trophy against Olympique de Marseille in early January.
Luis Enrique’s tactical puzzle
Hakimi’s injury highlights a strategic choice made by Luis Enrique during the summer: that of not recruiting a specific backup to the right-back position. The Spanish coach will have to draw on his internal resources to compensate for this loss. The most likely solution leads to Warren Zaire-Emery, already used in this position. Other options, such as the repositioning of Illya Zabarnyi or the promotion of a young person, exist but none offer the guarantees of a specialist. PSG therefore finds itself facing a real tactical challenge for the weeks to come.
PSG: the nightmare calendar without Hakimi!
An absence that goes beyond the simple defensive framework
Replacing Achraf Hakimi is not just about finding a defender. It is the offensive balance of the entire team that is affected. Author of exceptional statistical performances last season, the Moroccan is much more than just a full-back: he is a major offensive weapon, capable of finishing actions as well as creating them. His consistency, his leadership as vice-captain and his ability to project himself into unexpected areas make him a unique player in Luis Enrique’s system. His absence deprives Paris of considerable striking force.
PSG’s long road without Hakimi
This period promises to be a major test for the depth of the Parisian squad. Between the major European meetings and the national shocks, PSG will have to prove that it has the resources to overcome the absence of one of its most constant and decisive executives, while keeping an eye on the other major issue for the player: his participation in the African Cup of Nations, at home, with Morocco.
