Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has expressed satisfaction with Achraf Hakimi’s return to competitive action following his recent injury setback.
However, he insists that the Moroccan defender is yet to reach full match fitness, although he has played in three consecutive matches for Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
“Hakimi is in good shape, and he played the last match in full. Yes, he is not yet at his peak fitness, but his regular participation in matches at a high level is an important positive indicator for Paris Saint-Germain,” Enrique said.
The PSG coach also pointed out that Hakimi’s return to club duty will allow the French champions to fully prepare him for the demanding fixtures ahead, stressing the importance of having the defender in top condition as the season progresses.
Hakimi missed Morocco’s opening two group matches against Comoros and Mali after failing to fully recover from an ankle injury, remaining on the bench for both encounters.
The PSG star made his tournament debut in the final group game against Zambia, coming on for 26 minutes in the Atlas Lions’ 3-0 win.
In the round of 16 clash against Tanzania, Hakimi continued his comeback by providing an assist for Brahim Diaz in a narrow 1-0 victory.
He then featured again in the quarter-finals as Morocco secured a 2-0 win over Cameroon. The highly-rated defender will be key for the Super Eagles on Wednesday, January 14, when they take on the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the semi-finals.
