Luis Enrique says Achraf Hakimi will not play Morocco’s next international

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has confirmed that Achraf Hakimi will not be able to play in Morocco’s next international fixture during the forthcoming international break.

The Spainard said the club was in regular contact with the Morocco coaching staff over the defender’s condition, while stressing that PSG would not risk Hakimi’s fitness.

“I have complete confidence in Hakimi, but he cannot play in the next international match,” Luis Enrique said at a news conference after Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-1 Ligue 1 victory over Marseille on Sunday.

The manager acknowledged the importance of international football to Hakimi and said the club understood the player’s desire to represent Morocco.

“We are in contact with the Morocco national team to find out about his health, and we know how important playing for the national team is for the player,” he added.

Luis Enrique said the priority was to ensure Hakimi made a full physical recovery before returning to action. Although the player is expected to join up with Morocco, the club will avoid taking any decision that could put him at risk.

“I am happy that he will be able to join the national team, and we will not risk anything, because the first thing we want is for the player to be in the best possible health,” he said.

“There will be communication, as is the case with everyone.”