Achraf Hakimi injury puts Morocco squad plans on hold

Morocco head coach Mohamed Wahbi is awaiting the results of a fresh medical assessment on Achraf Hakimi before deciding whether the Paris Saint-Germain defender can take part in the team’s next two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers.

Hakimi was substituted before half-time during Paris Saint-Germain’s match against Brest after feeling pain in his thigh. The French club later confirmed in its medical report that the Morocco international had suffered a minor injury to his right thigh.

Paris Saint-Germain said Hakimi would receive treatment over the next two days. Once that period has ended, he will undergo a further medical assessment to establish how his condition has developed and whether he can return to training and competitive action.

The timing of the assessment is particularly important for Morocco, with the announcement of the squad for the forthcoming qualifiers approaching. Moroccan website Albotola reported that Hakimi’s fitness is among the main issues the national team’s coaching staff must resolve before the squad is confirmed.

Wahbi is expected to name his squad during a news conference on Thursday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex. The final assessment on Hakimi will therefore help determine whether he is included for the matches against Gabon and Lesotho.

Morocco begin their qualifying campaign against Gabon on 25th of this month before travelling to face Lesotho on 29th of the same month. The match against Lesotho will be played in Bloemfontein.

Hakimi is a key member of the Morocco team and his potential absence would be a significant setback, particularly given the importance of both fixtures in the qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

The coaching staff are not prepared to take risks with the right-back if he has not fully recovered from the injury. The new medical results will determine whether he is able to join Morocco for both matches or must instead continue his rehabilitation programme with Paris Saint-Germain.

The coming hours are expected to be decisive for Wahbi, who is waiting for the latest medical report before making a final decision on whether to call up Hakimi. The player and Morocco supporters are also awaiting confirmation of his availability for the two qualifiers.