Ashraf Hakimi’s Injury Casts Doubt on Morocco’s World Cup Preparations
With just over a month remaining before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America, Morocco’s hopes hinge on the fitness of their star right‑back, Ashraf Hakimi. The Paris Saint‑Germain defender sustained a right‑thigh injury during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich, a setback that could keep him sidelined for several weeks.
Injury Details and Immediate Impact
According to the official match report from UEFA, Hakimi went down in the 88th minute of the April 30, 2024 clash after a challenging tackle. He attempted to play through the pain but was substituted shortly after the final whistle. Medical examinations later confirmed a grade‑2 strain of the right femoral muscle, which typically requires a recovery period of three to four weeks.
Because PSG had no available right‑back on the bench, Hakimi was forced to remain on the pitch until the end of the match, exacerbating the strain. The club announced that he will miss the second leg on May 6, 2024 and is undergoing a structured rehabilitation programme under the supervision of PSG’s medical staff.
- Date of injury: April 30, 2024 (Champions League semifinal first leg)
- Diagnosis: Grade‑2 right‑thigh strain
- Estimated absence: 3–4 weeks
- Missed fixtures: PSG vs Bayern Munich (second leg, May 6) and potentially the Ligue 1 clash against Marseille (May 12)
- Target return: Late May, aiming for the Champions League final on May 30 if PSG advances
What This Means for PSG and Bayern Munich
PSG’s tactical flexibility relies heavily on Hakimi’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively from the right flank. His absence forces coach Luis Enrique to consider alternatives such as Achraf Hakimi’s backup, Nordi Mukiele, or shifting Vitinha into a more advanced role. Analysts from BBC Sport note that losing Hakimi reduces PSG’s width and could make them more vulnerable to Bayern’s counter‑attacks.
For Bayern, the news is a potential boost. The German side, already leading 5‑4 on aggregate after the first leg, may face a less threatening PSG attack in the return match. However, Bayern’s own injury list includes key players such as Joshua Kimmich, meaning the tie remains finely balanced.
Morocco’s World Cup Outlook
Hakimi’s injury arrives at a critical juncture for the Atlas Lions. Morocco opens its 2026 World Cup campaign against Brazil on June 13, 2024, a match that will test the team’s defensive solidity. Coach Walid Regragui has expressed confidence in the squad’s depth, citing the performances of Noussair Mazraoui and Achraf Hakimi’s club teammate, Achraf Hakimi’s younger brother, but acknowledges that losing the starting right‑back would be a setback.
Historically, Hakimi has been a linchpin for Morocco, amassing over 60 caps and providing crucial assists in Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers. His presence on the right side allows Morocco to transition quickly from defence to attack, a tactical advantage highlighted in a recent analysis by ESPN FC.
Medical staff from the Moroccan Football Federation are in regular contact with PSG’s physiotherapy team to monitor Hakimi’s progress. If he follows the projected recovery timeline, he could be fit for a few preparatory friendlies in early June, giving him valuable match time before the Brazil encounter.
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will be decisive for both club and country. PSG will weigh the risk of rushing Hakimi back against the need for defensive stability in their Champions League push, while Morocco will hope that their star defender can overcome the injury in time to face one of the tournament’s favourites. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for updates from the PSG medical bulletins and the Moroccan federation’s official channels.
