Marca reports that initial tests on Achraf Hakimi have given the Moroccan national team a glimmer of hope that the player might be fit to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on December 21.
Hakimi suffered a horrific injury following a very rough tackle by Luis Diaz in the Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
The Moroccan international left the field in tears, clearly in pain, and was later seen walking on crutches. Diaz apologized for the tackle and wished him a speedy recovery.
According to the latest reports, the tests have confirmed that Hakimi has no fractures, but he has suffered a torn ankle ligament.
Hakimi will need at least two months to recover and return to training, meaning he will miss the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations – at least – with the Moroccan national team.
Coach Walid Regragui’s stance on including Achraf Hakimi in the Africa Cup of Nations squad, with the hope of his participation in the later stages of the tournament, remains unclear. However, he will likely reconsider if it is confirmed that the 27-year-old’s absence will not exceed two months.
Morocco is in Group A of the Africa Cup of Nations alongside Zambia, Mali, and Comoros. The Round of 16 kicks off on January 3rd, exactly two months after Hakimi’s serious injury.
