This Friday, Walid Regragui was eagerly awaited. The press and supporters of the Moroccan national team were waiting to know the list of players selected for this November gathering during which the Atlas Lions will face Mozambique (October 14) and Uganda (November 18) in friendly matches. Two last rehearsals before the African Cup of Nations, which will take place from December 21 to January 18 in Morocco. Regragui chose to call on 27 players, including Nayef Aguerd, Brahim Diaz and Noussair Mazraoui.
Regragui counts on Hakimi
The Manchester United player will have the mission of replacing Achraf Hakimi, holder of the right-back position. But the former Real Madrid, Inter Milan and BVB injured his left ankle on Tuesday evening during the Champions League clash against Bayern Munich (2-1 defeat). Tackled from behind by Luis Diaz, the Parisian left the field in tears. After in-depth examinations on Wednesday, PSG provided an update on his state of health. “Achraf Hakimi suffers from a severe sprain of his left ankle, which will lead to several weeks of unavailability.”
In Spain, where relatives of the player were contacted, there was talk of 8 to 10 weeks of absence. Which risks compromising its participation in the African Cup of Nations. A real blow for the Atlas Lions since Hakimi is a leader and a driving force of the national team. At a press conference this Friday, Walid Regragui could not escape questions about his player. “I will be clear in my communication, we will do everything to ensure that Achraf Hakimi is 100% fit against the Comoros. And even if he can’t, he’ll be there. Of course he will be there, he is our best player and the leader.”
Morocco will be careful
He added: “If there is a player who can come back quickly, it is Achraf Hakimi. We have one of the best medical staffs in the world, like that of PSG. Our doctor went to Paris yesterday. Achraf will be with us for the CAN, whether on the pitch or in the locker room. He will only play if he is 100%.” It remains to be seen what Paris Saint-Germain will think of it. During the last international break, the Morocco coach discussed his relations with the French club regarding the management of the 27-year-old player, who played a string of high-level matches.
“We have good relations with PSG. We found an agreement for the Olympic Games, we made it blow… He is under contract with PSG and they manage him well. PSG will still have a say. There is no doubt that there will be discussions with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and Hakimi, who will do his best to be there whether on the pitch or on the bench. If he ever misses out, Morocco already has his replacement. “It is true that we are sad about the absence of Achraf, knowing that we played four matches without Hakimi, but his position is important in the national team. Therefore, Noussair Mazraoui will replace Achraf on the right side, and I have confidence in Noussair because he plays the same role as Hakimi,” concluded Regragui. To be continued…
