Morocco are making ready to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the place they’re thought of one of many major favorites. That standing comes due to stars like Achraf Hakimi, who has brought on concern after struggling an harm whereas enjoying for Paris Saint-Germain this week.
PSG misplaced 2-1 at residence to Bayern Munich on Tuesday in Matchday 4 of the UEFA Champions League group stage. Hakimi had to get replaced within the closing minutes of the primary half after taking a tough foul from Luis Diaz, who had scored each objectives for the German facet and was later despatched off.
“Achraf Hakimi has severely sprained his left ankle,” PSG introduced Wednesday by way of a press release on their official web site, which additionally detailed the situation of different squad members coping with bodily points.
Though the French membership didn’t present a transparent timeline for the defender’s restoration, they have been emphatic in stating that the ankle harm “will depart him unavailable for a number of weeks.” On the similar time, they added: “An additional replace might be supplied after the worldwide break.”
Issues for PSG
Hakimi’s harm is a major blow for Paris Saint-Germain, given the significance the right-back has had for the crew in latest seasons. However that isn’t all, as a number of different stars are additionally sidelined underneath head coach Luis Enrique.
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Dembele additionally suffered an harm throughout the match towards Bayern Munich and can miss upcoming PSG and France fixtures. The membership defined within the assertion that Ousmane “has picked up an harm to his left calf and can due to this fact stay on the remedy desk for the following few weeks.”
Two extra key gamers are additionally out. Need Doue continues rehabilitation after struggling a proper thigh harm on October 29. And Nuno Mendes, after spraining his left knee, will stay out for a number of extra weeks.
Morocco apprehensive about Hakimi
Past PSG’s harm woes, those most involved about Hakimi’s well being are undoubtedly Morocco. For them, the defender is a key participant—not solely one of many crew’s finest performers but in addition an emblem of nationwide soccer.
It’s sure that Achraf will miss the November worldwide break, throughout which Morocco will face Mozambique and Uganda in pleasant matches. However the larger concern is what comes subsequent: from December 21 to January 18, they may host the Africa Cup of Nations.
The harm replace from PSG mentions a couple of weeks on the sidelines however doesn’t present a particular restoration timeline for the defender. Nevertheless, estimates are constructive, and it’s speculated that Hakimi might be again in time to signify his nation within the continental event, which continues to be a month and a half away.
What to anticipate from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will characteristic 24 groups divided into six teams of 4, who will face one another within the group stage. The highest two from every group will advance on to the spherical of 16, together with the 4 finest third-place groups.
The event formally kicks off on December 21 with the match between Morocco and Comoros in Group A. Mali and Zambia full that group. Different prime points of interest throughout the event embrace Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, reigning champions Ivory Coast, and Nigeria.
