Paris Saint‑Germain and Morocco right‑back Achraf Hakimi is racing against time to recover from a serious left‑ankle sprain before the Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted in his home country. The injury occurred during Tuesday’s 2‑1 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich, when Hakimi was tackled by Bayern’s Luis Díaz. The challenge left Hakimi’s left leg stuck, forcing his substitution, and PSG later confirmed he would be out for several weeks.
Díaz, who was shown a red card for the tackle, nevertheless had a standout performance, scoring both of Bayern’s goals and securing the club’s 16th consecutive win in all competitions. After the match, he posted on Instagram expressing regret over the incident, describing the evening as emotionally charged and saying he was sad not to finish the game with his teammates. He also wished Hakimi a speedy recovery, writing, “I wish Hakimi a speedy return to the pitch.”
The Africa Cup of Nations is set to begin on December 21, and Hakimi’s rehabilitation will be crucial in determining whether he can take part. The tournament holds particular significance for Morocco, as it will be played on home soil, and the national team will be hoping their star right‑back regains fitness in time. With several weeks ahead for recovery, Hakimi will focus on rebuilding his condition to be ready for the competition.
The episode underscores the intensity and competitiveness of the Champions League, where a single moment can alter the course of a match. It has also prompted a show of solidarity from Díaz, who, despite being an opponent, publicly wished his injured rival a swift return to action. As the football world looks toward the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, all eyes will be on Hakimi’s recovery and his potential participation in the tournament.
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