Photo credit: FRMF / Royal Moroccan Football Federation
Achraf Hakimi has taken an important step in his recovery just two weeks before the start of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. According to footage released by Paris Saint-Germain, the Moroccan star, sidelined by a severe ankle sprain against Bayern Munich, has resumed running individually, without showing signs of discomfort.
The right-back, recently crowned African Player of the Year, suffered the injury on 4 November after a reckless challenge from Luis Díaz during the UEFA Champions League clash at the Parc des Princes. His recovery has since become a national concern in Morocco, especially with the tournament approaching quickly.
PSG confirm Hakimi will not return before AFCON
In a press conference, PSG coach Luis Enrique described Hakimi’s progress as “good news” but confirmed that the defender will not feature again for the club in December.
“We’re waiting for him to recover fully, but with the AFCON coming up, he will return directly to his national team rather than rejoin the squad here,” said the Spanish coach.
This confirms that Hakimi’s next appearance will be under the colors of the Atlas Lions, assuming his rehabilitation continues smoothly.
A race against time before Morocco’s opening match
Hakimi appeared with a protective boot during the CAF Awards ceremony on 19 November in Rabat, where he received the prize for African Player of the Year. His recovery timeline has been closely watched in Morocco, with only days separating him from the first whistle of the competition.
Morocco, among the favorites to lift the trophy on home soil, will start its AFCON 2025 campaign on 21 December against the Comoros, followed by matches against Mali on 26 December and Zambia on 29 December. All group fixtures will be held in Rabat.
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