Achraf Hakimi injury update: Morocco hopeful for AFCON 2025 opener despite PSG caution

PSG remain cautious, while the player pushes to be ready for Comoros on 21 December

Achraf Hakimi injury update: Morocco hopeful for AFCON 2025 opener despite PSG caution

Morocco’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have taken dramatic twist after new reports emerged regarding Achraf Hakimi’s race to recover for the opening match in Rabat.

Hakimi suffered serious ankle injury in early November during Paris Saint Germain’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich following heavy challenge from Colombian Luis Diaz.

Initial assessments ruled him out for several weeks triggering concern over his AFCON availability.

Regragui confident but the calendar is tight

Head coach Walid Regragui has repeatedly insisted that Hakimi will be part of Morocco’s AFCON squad describing his presence as “non negotiable” for the Atlas Lions title ambitions.

However according to L’Equipe, Hakimi is “pushing hard and ahead of schedule” convinced he can feature in Morocco vs Comoros on 21 December, the opening match of the tournament the Kingdom is hosting.

Inside PSG the stance is more conservative. The French champions believe the right back may not be at optimal physical condition by the opening weekend and would prefer more gradual return to avoid aggravating the injury.

The medical forecasts suggest Hakimi’s full readiness might arrive only few days after the opener making any appearance on 21 December unexpected & potentially risky.

For Morocco, Hakimi’s availability is vital. The newly crowned African Player of the Year 2025 has been one of PSG’s standout performers this season, with 2 goal and 3 assist in 14 match across all competitions.