Achraf Hakimi Faces Fitness Race for AFCON as Morocco Coach Remains Hopeful

Morocco faces an anxious countdown just weeks before hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as national team captain Achraf Hakimi battles to recover from a serious ankle injury sustained during Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old right-back, injured on his birthday after a harsh tackle by Bayern’s Luis Diaz, was stretchered off and later diagnosed with a severe ankle sprain. While medical assessments estimate six to eight weeks of rehabilitation, Morocco coach Walid Regragui remains adamant his star defender will be ready for the tournament’s December 21 kickoff.

Regragui’s Faith in Hakimi’s Recovery

Speaking to Moroccan media on Friday, Regragui expressed cautious optimism about Hakimi’s condition. “We will do everything to ensure Achraf Hakimi is 100% fit against Comoros,” he said. “Even if he can’t be on the pitch, he’ll be with us—he’s our best player and leader. But he will only play if fully fit.”

The coach confirmed that Morocco’s medical staff is working closely with PSG’s doctors. “If there is any player who can recover quickly, it is Achraf Hakimi,” Regragui said. “We have one of the best medical teams in the world, and our doctor is already in Paris to monitor his progress.”

For Morocco, Hakimi’s symbolic and tactical importance cannot be overstated. His leadership, both on and off the field, has been central to the Atlas Lions’ recent golden era—including their historic 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal run, the furthest any African nation has ever advanced.

Tactical Alternatives: Mazraoui Ready to Step Up

Should Hakimi fail to regain fitness in time for AFCON’s opening group matches, Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui is expected to step in at right-back. Regragui has already expressed full confidence in Mazraoui’s ability to fill the void.

“We are sad about Hakimi’s absence, but we played four matches without him recently,” Regragui said. “Noussair will replace Achraf on the right side, and I trust him completely—he plays the same role and understands the system.”

Hakimi’s Irreplaceable Role and Reputation

Hakimi’s absence would nonetheless be a major blow for Morocco’s AFCON ambitions. The defender is one of Africa’s most decorated players, having been named to the FIFPro World XI, shortlisted for African Footballer of the Year, and instrumental in securing Morocco’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

For the hosts, AFCON 2025 represents not only a chance to win a long-elusive continental title but also to celebrate Moroccan football’s global stature. Hakimi’s participation—whether as captain on the pitch or motivator in the locker room—holds deep national significance.

PSG’s Injury Update and Bayern’s Reaction

PSG confirmed that Hakimi will miss “several weeks,” declining to specify a return date. Manager Luis Enrique described the situation as “unfortunate but part of football,” adding that the club’s focus is on a full recovery rather than rushing his return.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany and forward Luis Diaz, who was sent off for the tackle, both expressed regret. “The most important thing is that Hakimi heals swiftly,” Kompany said. Diaz wrote on social media: “It was an emotional night. I wish Hakimi a speedy recovery.”

The injury compounds PSG’s growing fitness crisis, with Ousmane Dembélé, Nuno Mendes, and Desire Doucé also sidelined—further complicating the club’s domestic and European campaigns.

Morocco’s Final Preparations for AFCON

Morocco’s AFCON preparation camp includes friendlies against Mozambique and Uganda later this month. Regragui has named a 27-man provisional squad featuring Nayef Aguerd, Brahim Diaz, and Mazraoui, as Morocco fine-tunes its lineup ahead of the group stage against Comoros, Egypt, and South Africa.

If Hakimi’s recovery proceeds as planned, he could be available for the quarterfinals or semifinals—potentially transforming Morocco’s knockout-stage prospects.

The Countdown to Kickoff

Hakimi will continue his rehabilitation at PSG’s facilities under joint supervision from the club and Morocco’s medical teams. Reassessment will occur once swelling subsides, but both parties have agreed to prioritize long-term fitness over short-term risk.

As the tournament nears, Morocco’s hopes remain intertwined with Hakimi’s recovery. Whether he leads the Atlas Lions on the pitch or inspires them from the sidelines, his presence will loom large over Africa’s most anticipated football spectacle.

For now, the race against time continues—and all of Morocco is watching.