Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has confirmed that captain Achraf Hakimi is fully fit ahead of the host nation’s opening match at the Africa Cup of Nations, but stopped short of guaranteeing the Paris Saint-Germain defender a place in the starting lineup.
Speaking to journalists in Rabat on Saturday, Regragui said the final decision on Hakimi’s involvement in Sunday’s Group A opener against Comoros would be taken after careful consideration, given the seriousness of the injury the player recently overcame.
“Tomorrow will be my decision but he has more than done his job. His injury was not an easy one,” the coach said.
“I still have another night to sleep and decide whether he starts or whether we protect him and see how it goes for the remaining games.
“He is able to start, but he might not start.”
Okay News reports that Hakimi, widely regarded as one of Africa’s top defenders, has not featured in a competitive match since November 4, when he limped off in tears during a UEFA Champions League game against Bayern Munich.
The injury, sustained while playing for Paris Saint-Germain, was later diagnosed as a severe left ankle sprain, raising fears at the time that he could miss the continental tournament entirely.
Now back in full training, the 27-year-old said he feels physically ready after weeks of rehabilitation under close medical supervision.
“I feel good. I am following the program given to me by the medical staff and the coach,” Hakimi said.
Regragui praised the defender’s commitment during his recovery, describing his efforts as an example to the entire squad.
“He has made sacrifices over the last four or five weeks that nobody else could have made, and has set an example to the other players and the staff,” the coach said.
“Today we can see that the protocol we put in place after his injury has been more than positive but now we have the whole competition to manage.”
Morocco, the host nation for the tournament, are seeking their first Africa Cup of Nations title since 1976. After facing Comoros in their opening fixture, the Atlas Lions will take on Mali and Zambia in Group A.
The tournament runs into the New Year, with the final scheduled to be played in Rabat on January 18.
