Luis Enrique addresses Achraf Hakimi absence ahead of Le Classique

Issa Said

 9f7da4616a5c2bb4cf3f325a68d5af1b86f429410fc6cf36d35c146eafb02380 1200 675   Luis Enrique addresses Achraf Hakimi absence ahead of Le Classique   AfricaSoccercom

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has confirmed that Achraf Hakimi will miss Sunday’s Ligue 1 clash with Marseille, with the defender’s suspension coming at what the coach described as a demanding moment for the player.

Hakimi is unavailable for Le Classique after being sent off in PSG’s previous league match against Strasbourg, ruling him out of one of the season’s most high-profile fixtures.

The absence follows a challenging period for the Moroccan international, who has only recently returned to action after an extended spell away from the team.

The full-back has endured a testing run of games and commitments in recent months. An ankle injury had previously forced him out of contention, while his involvement in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations added further physical and mental demands. That tournament ended in disappointment for Hakimi, who was part of the Morocco side beaten in the final.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Marseille match, Luis Enrique acknowledged the impact of that sequence on his player.

The PSG manager indicated that Hakimi had been pushed by repeated efforts and suggested that time away from the pitch could be beneficial, while underlining his trust in the defender’s importance to the squad.

Luis Enrique’s comments were measured, balancing concern with reassurance. He pointed to the need to manage Hakimi carefully during a period in which the club is approaching the decisive phase of the season.

The tone of his remarks suggested a desire to prioritise the player’s long-term condition rather than focus solely on his immediate absence.

Hakimi’s suspension leaves PSG without one of their most influential wide defenders for a match that carries significant weight in the Ligue 1 title race.

However, the coach’s statements made clear that the situation is being viewed within a broader context, taking into account the demands placed on the player over recent months.

With the season entering its final stretch, PSG appear keen to ensure that Hakimi returns in optimal condition once he is available again.

The club’s approach reflects an emphasis on player welfare as much as short-term results, particularly for those who have faced sustained physical and emotional strain.

As Le Classique approaches, Hakimi’s enforced absence stands as a reminder of the pressures faced by players competing across domestic and international competitions, and of PSG’s intention to manage those pressures carefully as the campaign reaches a critical stage.

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