Luis Enrique says Paris Saint-Germain will not risk Achraf Hakimi with Morocco

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique says the club is in contact with Morocco over Achraf Hakimi’s fitness and will not take any risks with the defender’s return from injury.

Hakimi missed Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Olympique de Marseille in Le Classique after suffering a thigh problem in the previous week.

Speaking in comments published by the Moroccan outlet Albotola, Luis Enrique said: “I have complete confidence in Hakimi. He cannot play the next international match either, as I believe he is suspended.”

He added: “We are in contact with the Morocco national team to understand his medical situation. We know how important playing for the national team is to the player.”

Luis Enrique said Hakimi would be allowed to join up with Morocco, provided it was safe for him to do so.

“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 state of health,” he said. “There will be communication, as there is with everyone.”

Hakimi has been included in the Morocco squad named by manager Mohamed Ouahbi for this month’s matches against Gabon and Lesotho.

Paris Saint-Germain announced details of the injury several days ago, saying the right-back had suffered a minor problem in his right thigh during the match against Brest.

“Achraf Hakimi will receive treatment over the next two days, with a further medical update to be provided at the end of that period,” the club said in a statement published on its official website last Monday.

The injury appears to have required more than two days of treatment. Hakimi was replaced after 39 minutes of Paris Saint-Germain’s match against Brest.

Before his injury, the Morocco international had started all seven of Paris Saint-Germain’s matches this season. His appearances included four Ligue 1 fixtures, the French Super Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the opening league-phase match in the UEFA Champions League.

Luis Enrique’s comments indicate that Paris Saint-Germain will continue to monitor Hakimi’s condition in coordination with Morocco before any decision is made about his involvement.