Coach Walid Regragui expressed his unwavering confidence in his “irreplaceable” right-back, insisting that Hakimi’s recovery capacity and morale could thwart medical predictions.
Diaz tackle compromises Morocco’s CAN hopes
When Hakimi collapsed in pain after Luis Diaz’s dangerous tackle during PSG’s Champions League match against Bayern, fans feared the worst. This moment plunged the Parc des Princes into a cathedral silence and caused a shock wave in Rabat and Casablanca. Hakimi, one of PSG’s most consistent players this season with three goals and seven assists, was visibly devastated when he was taken off on a stretcher.
Medical examinations revealed a serious sprain to the left ankle, with partial damage to the femoral syndesmosis and deltoid ligaments. Although PSG confirmed that an operation would not be necessary, the convalescence period estimated at between six and eight weeks immediately cast doubt on their participation in the African Cup of Nations, which is due to begin on December 21 in Morocco.
For a player who started the majority of PSG’s matches this season, the timing was catastrophic. The Parisian back line, already weakened by injuries to Nuno Mendes and Ousmane Dembélé, suffered another hard blow. But the biggest worry was for Morocco: its captain and leader was suddenly doubtful for the country’s most important tournament in almost half a century.
Faced with growing panic, Moroccan coach Regragui quickly reacted to ease tensions. During a press conference two days after his injury, he reassured supporters : “Achraf Hakimi is the first player I systematically select. I am convinced that he can recover faster than others. Achraf will do everything possible to be present at the CAN. We will support him. We will implement the best medical protocol so that he is back 100% for the CAN. »
Regragui’s message
The Moroccan technical staff has already started working closely with the PSG medical team to develop a rehabilitation plan focused on accelerated healing, physiotherapy and progressive management of the training load. According to French sources, Hakimi’s rehabilitation will take place between Paris and Rabat, which will allow him to remain under close surveillance while maintaining contact with the national team.
This confidence in Hakimi’s physical and mental resilience is completely justified. Over the past five seasons, the 26-year-old has been one of the most consistent in Europe, having only missed less than ten games through injury since 2020.
Regragui’s confidence is based as much on data as on conviction. According to Moroccan team analysts, Hakimi covers 11-12 km per match, contributes greatly to Morocco’s offensive transitions and displays one of the best defensive recovery rates among African defenders. “Achraf Hakimi is an irreplaceable player. He was a candidate for the Ballon d’Or. For us Moroccans, he is the best player in the world,” declared the Morocco coach.
