Hakimi's comeback on track, Morocco weighs PSG interests as AFCON looms
6 December 2025
Walid Regragui, the Morocco head coach, spoke about Ashraf Hakimi's chances of featuring for Paris Saint‑Germain in the Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Morocco from December 21 this year through January 18, 2026.
Hakimi's form and club considerations
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, Regragui said, "Hakimi is performing exceptionally and delivering on his rehab plan; he is pushing hard to be ready for the opener."
He added, "He works with seriousness, never stops; he is our captain, a key personality in the squad, and recently won the Ballon d'Or Africa."
"I respect Ashraf Hakimi's wishes and determination, but we must also consider PSG's interests and the other clubs with players under contract."
"What the Moroccan federation asks regarding clubs' consideration of the national team's interests, we also commit to in the opposite direction; mutual interests matter, but the priority is for our players to return in good technical and physical condition."
AFCON and World Cup draw notes
A match preview block shows a Ligue 1 clash between Paris Saint‑Germain and Rennes, illustrating the ongoing calendar and Hakimi's potential club commitments during the season.
Hakimi has been sidelined since November 4 after suffering a strong left ankle injury following a hard challenge by Colombian Luis Díaz during the Champions League clash at the Parc des Princes, which Bayern Munich won 2-1.
Media reports suggest the injury will require 6–8 weeks of treatment and rehabilitation.
Morocco’s AFCON campaign opens against Comoros, followed by games against Mali and Zambia on December 26 and 29, respectively, in Group A of the continental tournament.
In the World Cup draw, the Atlas Lions were placed in Group Three, beginning with Brazil, then facing Haiti and Scotland in the subsequent rounds.
Punchlines: If optimism were a player, Morocco would have lifted AFCON already; Hakimi’s rehab calendar is longer than my to‑do list. And remember, in football as in life, the only thing sharper than Hakimi’s pass is his comeback timing—sniper precision, minus the paperwork.
