With only 42 days remaining until the FIFA World Cup opens in North America, Morocco’s right‑back Achmad Hakimi has been sidelined for several weeks following a thigh injury sustained in the Champions League semi‑final.
Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG), suffered a right‑thigh strain in the closing minutes of PSG’s 5‑4 first‑leg victory over Bayern Munich on Tuesday. With no eligible substitute available, he remained on the pitch until full‑time and was subsequently taken to medical care. Club officials confirmed that the defender will miss the second leg scheduled for 6 May and will undergo a rehabilitation programme that could keep him out of action for the balance of the month.
The injury comes at a critical juncture for both PSG and the Moroccan national team. PSG now faces a deciding second‑leg clash against Bayern, where the absence of their defensive stalwart could shift the balance in Germany’s favour. Manager Luis Enrique is expected to adjust his lineup, but the loss of Hakimi’s pace and attacking contribution on the flank is a notable setback.
On the international stage, Morocco’s preparations for the World Cup are also affected. The Atlas Lions are set to open their campaign on 13 June against Brazil, and Hakimi has been a key figure in the team’s defensive and offensive setups. Medical staff will monitor his recovery closely, but the timeline suggests that his participation in the tournament remains uncertain.
Hakimi’s injury follows a demanding schedule that has seen him feature prominently for both club and country this season. After helping PSG reach the Champions League semi‑final, he returned to international duty for Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers earlier this year. The cumulative workload may have contributed to the strain that led to the current problem.
PSG’s medical team has outlined a phased rehabilitation plan, beginning with rest and physiotherapy, followed by gradual re‑introduction to training drills. A definitive return date will depend on the player’s response to treatment and clearance from the club’s doctors. Meanwhile, PSG will rely on backup full‑backs to fill the void for the remaining fixtures in the Champions League and Ligue 1.
For Morocco, the national team coach will have to assess alternatives for the right‑back position ahead of the World Cup. The squad possesses several options, but none match Hakimi’s blend of speed, technical ability, and experience in top‑level European competition.
The coming weeks will determine whether Hakimi can recover in time to contribute to PSG’s European ambitions and Morocco’s World Cup campaign. His status will be closely watched by fans and analysts as both teams aim to maintain momentum heading into the sport’s biggest tournaments.
