Achraf Hakimi Heads Home For AFCON Rehab As PSG, Morocco Work On His Recovery

Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will spend the next phase of his recovery in Morocco as he battles to regain full fitness ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The right-back, who injured his ankle during PSG’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich on 4 November, is still undergoing rehabilitation after a heavy challenge from Luis Díaz.

PSG have approved a plan that allows Hakimi to continue his re-athletisation at home, with a member of the club’s medical team travelling with him. The club want him closely monitored so the work done in Morocco fully aligns with their own medical standards.

RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins confirmed the arrangement, saying: “Achraf Hakimi will travel to Morocco to continue his rehabilitation and prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations. A member of PSG’s medical staff will accompany him to monitor his progress. The idea is that the Moroccan will be ready to play for PSG as soon as he returns from the Africa Cup of Nations. There is a good relationship between the PSG staff and the Moroccan national team.”

Hakimi, who recently won the African Ballon d’Or, is expected to arrive on Tuesday and hopes to be ready for Morocco’s opener against Comoros on 21 December. With the tournament only 12 days away, there is still uncertainty about whether he will start the first match, although the defender is said to be confident.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui has already made it clear that Hakimi remains central to his plans on and off the pitch. Speaking last month, he said: “We will do everything for him to be 100% against Comores, but if he isn’t, he will be with us no matter what. He’s the most important player for me, whether on the pitch or in the locker room.”

Hakimi is expected to make the final squad list even if he is not fully fit.