2025 AFCON: Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi waiting for CLEARANCE from PSG ahead of opener against Comoros

Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi is on standby for clearance from both Paris Saint-Germain and the Atlas Lions’ medical teams ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations opener, set to kick off this weekend in Morocco.

Hakimi has been sidelined for six weeks following an ankle injury sustained during PSG’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

Morocco will face Comoros on Sunday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Reports indicate that Hakimi has resumed team training with the national squad, albeit cautiously and under close supervision from PSG staff.

“Paris Saint-Germain has assigned a specialist doctor and physical trainer to oversee his rehabilitation in Morocco,” a source revealed.

“The decision on his participation will be made jointly by PSG and Morocco’s medical teams, factoring in Hakimi’s comfort and readiness.”

Atlas Lions coach Walid Regragui is said to prefer using Hakimi as a substitute rather than risking him as a starter, aiming to avoid any setbacks.

A similar situation occurred during the last AFCON in Ivory Coast, when defender Noussair Mazraoui, now at Manchester United, was closely monitored by Bayern Munich’s medical staff and only featured from the knockout rounds.