Injured Hakimi Forces Return to Morocco Squad Despite PSG Concerns

Achraf Hakimi will rejoin Morocco during the next international break, despite a right thigh injury sustained in PSG’s victory at Brest last Sunday. Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed at a press conference that the 27-year-old right-back is included in his squad for matches against Gabon and Lesotho on September 25 and 29 respectively, as part of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifications.

Paris Saint-Germain announced on Monday a minor muscle injury that forced Hakimi to leave the pitch in the first half. The defender received treatment early in the week before resuming individual work on the pitch, according to the club’s statement this morning. His availability for the derby against Olympique de Marseille next Sunday has not yet been confirmed.

Despite this uncertainty, the Atlas Lions captain did not hesitate to make himself available to his coach. “Don’t forget that Achraf Hakimi is our captain and he will be there as captain. He insisted a lot to be with us,” said Mohamed Ouahbi.

This determination is no surprise. Last winter, Hakimi had already done everything to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations despite a serious ankle injury caused by an intervention from Luis Diaz in the Champions League. The Paris player’s attachment to his national team clearly takes precedence over medical precautions, even if the state of his thigh will need to be closely monitored in the coming days.