Rabat – Africa Cup of Nations
Achraf Hakimi’s participation with the Moroccan national team in the upcoming match remains a subject of intense discussion among the technical and medical staff. This deliberation stems from a commitment to ensuring the player’s readiness and avoiding any unnecessary risks, despite the significant improvement in his health over recent days.
Regragui Clarifies Hakimi’s Health Status
Walid Regragui, head coach of the Moroccan national team, confirmed that captain Achraf Hakimi is in satisfactory physical condition. However, he stressed that the decision regarding Hakimi’s involvement in the next game has not yet been finalized, emphasizing that player safety remains a top priority for the technical staff.
The national coach explained that the team is gradually preparing Hakimi, subjecting him to precise evaluations before making a definitive decision—whether he starts or plays limited minutes, depending on the match’s progression.
Decision Contingent on Technical and Medical Assessment
Regragui indicated that any move concerning Hakimi’s inclusion would be based on clear data, including physical readiness, response to training sessions, and the opinion of the medical staff, who are closely monitoring the player’s condition.
The coach affirmed that the team is unwilling to rush, particularly as the competition is still in its early stages. Maintaining the team’s key players in optimal physical condition is deemed essential for their tournament journey.
Gradual Return After Injury
Achraf Hakimi sustained an ankle injury while playing for Paris Saint-Germain in a UEFA Champions League match last month. This necessitated a period of rest and treatment before he recently resumed group training.
His return to training with the Moroccan national team has been a positive indicator, especially after overcoming the pain phase and entering a specialized physical program focused on regaining competitive rhythm without risk.
Hakimi: A Crucial Element in the Atlas Lions’ System
Hakimi’s involvement with the Moroccan national team is tactically vital due to his versatile roles, both defensively and offensively, in addition to his extensive experience in major matches.
Hakimi is also one of the group leaders both on and off the field, which leads the technical staff to handle his situation cautiously, aiming to leverage his abilities in the decisive stages of the competition.
Limited Minutes Participation Remains a Possibility
According to available information, the option of involving Hakimi for limited minutes in the upcoming match remains on the table, should the player confirm his full readiness during the final training session.
This scenario would provide a qualitative boost to the team without imposing a significant physical burden on the player, especially given the continuous matches and the intensity of the tournament.
Preparation Continues with Focus
The Moroccan national team continues its preparations in a positive atmosphere, with the technical staff focusing on tactical and physical aspects, while working to maintain team cohesion, regardless of the players who will participate in the match.
Regragui ensures clear messages are conveyed to the players, stressing that readiness is the primary criterion for participation, and the team’s interest supersedes any individual considerations.
Decision Before Kick-off
The final decision regarding Hakimi’s participation with the Moroccan national team is expected to be made before the match’s kick-off, following consultations between the technical and medical staff and an assessment of the latest data concerning the player’s physical condition.
The primary objective remains to field the best possible lineup and ensure the “Atlas Lions” continue their competition with utmost readiness and ambition.
