Hakimi's Time Trial: Can Morocco's Star Make AFCON Before the Clock Runs Out?

Hakimi's Time Trial to AFCON

The Moroccan star, Achraf Hakimi, Paris Saint-Germain's right back, is racing against time to rejoin Morocco's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Morocco is organizing the next edition of the tournament from December 21 to January 18 in six cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Agadir, Fez and Marrakesh.

Hakimi suffered a severe left ankle sprain about two weeks ago after a hard challenge from Colombia's Louis Diaz in a Champions League clash; Bayern Munich later beat Paris 2-1 in that match, and Diaz received a straight red card for the foul on Hakimi.

PSG has not yet announced a timeline for Hakimi's return, but initial indications point to a layoff of roughly six to eight weeks.

On his own, the Moroccan posted training photos on his official Instagram account, showing cardio work in the gym, weightlifting, and therapeutic exercises wearing an ankle brace.

French outlet Canal+ Sport reported that Hakimi remains resolute about coming back as soon as possible to limit his losses this season while PSG chase a second UEFA Champions League title and a Morocco AFCON crown, with a view to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Replacement talks

PSG are reportedly exploring a winter signing to cover the right flank amid a shortage of options, which has forced manager Luis Enrique to deploy players like Joao Neves, Marquinhos, Sini Maiaolo and Warren Zaire-Emery out of position at times.

Earlier reports suggested PSG could pursue Eric Garcia from Barcelona, who is due to become a free agent at the end of the season.

ESPN also linked Paris with Colombian right-back Daniel Munoz, who is contracted to Crystal Palace until 2028, with Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona also cited as potential suitors in informal talks.

Enrique has turned to the promising French youth talent David Poli to cover for Hakimi in difficult fixtures, including a narrow 3-2 win at Lyon with a late strike from Portuguese midfielder Joao Neves.

Enrique commented that the club is open to player movement but urged patience, saying, “We are open to everything as usual, but there is no need to rush or panic. All teams deal with injuries calmly and with confidence.”

Season snapshot

PSG have won eight league games this season with a single loss to Marseille in the Classique, while drawing three times. Wins over Nantes and Angers came 1-0, followed by a 6-3 demolition of Toulouse, a 2-0 triumph over Lens, and a 2-0 victory over Lorient after a tough start to the campaign.

In European competition, PSG have started the season with three straight wins, opening with a European Super Cup shootout victory over Tottenham Hotspur after a 2-2 draw. In the Champions League, the Parisians opened with victories over Atalanta (4-1), Barcelona (2-1 on the road), and Bayer Leverkusen (7-2), before suffering a defeat to Bayern Munich.