Hakimi’s Comeback Countdown: Morocco’s AFCON Hopes Rest on a Brighter Injury Report

Hakimi’s Road to Recovery Gains Ground

Morocco, led by head coach Walid Regragui, received a major glimmer of hope as captain Achraf Hakimi began his rehabilitation in Paris after the ankle injury sustained against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. Sources say Hakimi is in near-daily contact with teammates at the Moroccan training camp and has sent a message of support ahead of the Uganda friendly, urging a victory to keep the team’s winning streak intact.

The player is reportedly pleased with the medical protocol in Paris, overseen by PSG doctors and monitored by the national team doctor who traveled to France to oversee his status during this phase of treatment.

From tears to recovery, Hakimi’s comeback narrative is already serving as a morale boost for the squad. The sight of him leaving the pitch on a stretcher after a heavy challenge previously sparked anxiety among fans, with a follow-up clip showing him struggling to stand on the injured leg.

The injury stunned supporters and raised fears about missing AFCON, given the pivotal role Hakimi plays in both offense and defense. Yet a Paris Saint‑Germain medical report later eased the concerns, confirming ankle tissue bleeding but no full ligament rupture, which opened the door to a swift rehabilitation through targeted physiotherapy.

That diagnosis revived hopes, especially after initial assessments suggested the condition could be treated quickly with proper rehabilitation. News later indicated Hakimi began light indoor training about a week earlier than initially anticipated, aided by his considerable physical strength and muscular resilience, which helped accelerate the recovery. He also posted on Instagram: “A fall is part of the road… the comeback that will make the difference.”

These words signaled not just morale but a genuine psychological rebound and a confident return to form, with optimism growing as Hakimi’s recovery progressed. He was described as cooperative with the medical staff and emotionally ready to contribute again very soon.

Ready for AFCON? How the Schedule Could Unfold

With hopes high, the big question was when Hakimi would rejoin competitive play. Contrary to early forecasts of a mid-Africa Cup appearance, Koora sources indicated the PSG star would be ready for the squad’s December 10 meeting date. Depending on his progress, he could feature in the opening match versus the Comoros or the following fixture against Mali, with both the medical team and the club’s staff aligned on his progression.

Cooperation between the two camps continues daily, and there is cautious optimism that the rehabilitation can proceed without setbacks. Regragui has publicly acknowledged the evolving situation, stressing that the team will monitor Hakimi closely while remaining ready to adapt as needed.

Hakimi’s planned Moroccan return is coupled with a scheduled visit to the Mohammed VI Football Center to complete part of the rehabilitation in a controlled environment, where the facilities and equipment have been prepared to maximize recovery and quality. The injury has forced a genuine reassessment of the squad’s dynamics as Morocco looks to sustain its advanced form on the continental stage.

In response to Hakimi’s absence, Regragui has started exploring alternatives that mirror Hakimi’s speed and attacking impact, with Noussair Mazraoui stepping into a more prominent role temporarily. The national team continues to push for a sharp, cohesive attacking unit, though recent results show a dip in scoring efficiency, having only one goal in the last three matches.

The coach announced that the lineup would be adjusted ahead of Uganda, explaining that these changes are not reckless but necessary given the current options. Hamza Ejaman could replace Ayoub Kaabi, Siabari could start over Abdessamad Zaouali, Ilias Akhomach could come in for Ibrahim Diaz to rest him, and Bilal Khannous could take a midfield role in place of El Ainawi. There is also a strong likelihood of Romain Saiss returning to captain the defense alongside Adam Masina, adding experience and solidity at the back.

Ultimately, the collective aim is clear: maximize Morocco’s performance in AFCON while Hakimi returns to peak fitness as soon as possible, ensuring the team remains dangerous and balanced throughout the tournament.

Punchline 1: If patience were a weapon, Hakimi would have a fully loaded arsenal by now. Patience is a virtue, and his ankle just earned a PhD in rehab.

Punchline 2: They say timing is everything—Hakimi’s timing is so sharp that even the ball files a complaint about being late to the party.