Paris Saint-Germain's right-back, Achraf Hakimi, will be out of action for the next few weeks following an injury sustained in his team's thrilling 5-4 victory against Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash. Despite playing the full 90 minutes and providing an assist for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Hakimi’s injury has raised concerns for both PSG and the Moroccan international, who is facing a critical period of recovery.
Injury Details and PSG’s Official Statement
Hakimi’s injury occurred late in the dramatic first leg against Bayern, where PSG managed to secure a narrow win in Paris. The club later confirmed that Hakimi had suffered a right thigh injury during the match and will now undergo treatment for the next few weeks.
PSG issued a statement declaring, "Having suffered a right thigh injury during the match against Bayern, Hakimi will remain in treatment for the next few weeks." As a result, he will miss the highly anticipated second leg in Munich, scheduled for May 6. This injury is a significant setback for both Hakimi and PSG, as they gear up for the decisive return match.
Hakimi’s Recent Form and Prior Injury
Hakimi’s recent form for PSG has been impressive, as he had been playing regularly in Luis Enrique’s starting line-up. Last weekend, he was substituted at half-time during PSG's 3-0 win against Angers in Ligue 1, which had raised some concerns at the time.
However, he returned to the starting XI for the Bayern clash, where he played a pivotal role, even managing to assist Kvaratskhelia in the exciting victory. Toward the end of the match, Hakimi appeared to pull up with a hamstring issue, but after receiving treatment on the field, he continued to play, as PSG had already used up all their substitutions.
The decision to stay on despite the injury demonstrated Hakimi’s commitment, but it has now led to a significant absence from PSG’s upcoming fixtures.
World Cup Implications and Future Concerns
One of the biggest concerns stemming from Hakimi’s injury is the potential impact it could have on his availability for the upcoming World Cup. The prestigious tournament, scheduled to begin in just six weeks, will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Hakimi, who has been an integral part of Morocco's national team, played every game during their historic run to the semi-finals in the 2022 World Cup. With the tournament just around the corner, there are growing concerns over whether Hakimi will be fit enough to represent his country at such a crucial time.
Hakimi’s Key Contributions to PSG and Morocco
Hakimi’s contributions to both PSG and Morocco have been outstanding in recent years. For PSG, he has been a key figure since joining the club, playing a vital role in their success on both domestic and European fronts.
Notably, Hakimi scored the opening goal in PSG's 5-0 win against Inter Milan in the Champions League final last season, helping the club secure their first-ever European title. Additionally, his performances for Morocco during the 2022 World Cup were instrumental in their historic journey to the semi-finals, making Hakimi one of the standout players in the tournament.
As Hakimi faces the road to recovery, both PSG and Morocco will be hoping for a speedy return, given his importance to their respective campaigns. While his absence is undoubtedly a blow for PSG in their Champions League quest, the larger question remains whether Hakimi will be fit in time for Morocco’s World Cup preparations. The next few weeks will be critical in determining his recovery timeline.
