Emergency plans kick in as Hakimi’s ankle challenge looms over Morocco’s AFCON readiness

Urgent update after Hakimi’s injury in Paris

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi suffered a troubling ankle injury in Paris as PSG faced Bayern Munich in the Champions League. He left the field in tears, raising concerns ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Ivory Coast. Paris-based medical staff described the initial reads as cautiously optimistic, though the final diagnosis awaits an MRI after the swelling subsides.

Exclusive sources told Kooora that early findings do not indicate a fracture or ligament rupture, but a precise assessment depends on the MRI. Hakimi managed to walk off the pitch on crutches and has since moved to the club’s medical facility to start a rehabilitation plan.

History of resilience and a contingency plan

Hakimi’s injury is not unfamiliar for the Moroccan captain. He has endured similar ankle problems at different points in his career, including when he was with Borussia Dortmund on loan and later in the CAN 2021. Nassir Mazraoui, his teammate, also faced a near-identical ankle issue while with Bayern two years ago, undergoing surgery and then returning for the knockout rounds.

The Moroccan head coach Walid Regragui has emphasized a defensive and tactical emphasis and came into this moment with a broad pool of 55 players with five backups per position. The aim is to cover the right-back slot if Hakimi misses time.

The first-choice stand-in is Mohamed Chibi (Pyramids FC, Egypt), who already filled in during the World Cup qualifiers. The second option is Omar El-Halali (Espanyol), and the third is Nassir Mazraoui, a ready-made alternative who can play at right-back or elsewhere along the back line. If Hakimi’s absence is only a few weeks, the federation plans to transport him to Rabat for rehab under national medical supervision, a method that has worked before for other players.

There are signs of cautious optimism. Initial reports in Paris suggest the first checks were encouraging, with the full MRI expected to confirm the final prognosis. The team remains ambitious for CAN 2025 in Morocco and hopes Hakimi will return in time to lead the squad in front of home fans.

Hakimi’s injury is not unfamiliar for the Moroccan captain. He has endured similar ankle problems at different points in his career, including when he was with Borussia Dortmund on loan and later in the CAN 2021. Nassir Mazraoui, his teammate, also faced a near-identical ankle issue while with Bayern two years ago, undergoing surgery and then returning for the knockout rounds.

The Moroccan head coach Walid Regragui has emphasized a defensive and tactical emphasis and came into this moment with a broad pool of 55 players with five backups per position. The aim is to cover the right-back slot if Hakimi misses time.

The first-choice stand-in is Mohamed Chibi (Pyramids FC, Egypt), who already filled in during the World Cup qualifiers. The second option is Omar El-Halali (Espanyol), and the third is Nassir Mazraoui, a ready-made alternative who can play at right-back or elsewhere along the back line. If Hakimi’s absence is only a few weeks, the federation plans to transport him to Rabat for rehab under national medical supervision, a method that has worked before for other players.

There are signs of cautious optimism. Initial reports in Paris suggest the first checks were encouraging, with the full MRI expected to confirm the final prognosis. The team remains ambitious for CAN 2025 in Morocco and hopes Hakimi will return in time to lead the squad in front of home fans.

Punchline 1: If injuries were jokes, Hakimi’s would end with a dramatic pause and a heroic comeback—tune in to the MRI sequel!

Punchline 2: Morocco's medical team is so prepared that even the bench has a plan B, C, and a tactical crutch to match the day’s script.