Morocco is pinning its hopes on the timely return of Achraf Hakimi as the Atlas Lions prepare for a historic home campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025.
Nasser Larguet, former coach and technical director in Moroccan football, has offered fresh insight into Hakimi’s rehabilitation following the injury he sustained against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender has been out of action since the incident, raising concerns in both club and national team circles.
According to Larguet, Hakimi is undergoing an “intense and structured” rehabilitation programme aimed at ensuring he is fit for AFCON 2025, which Morocco will host.
He revealed that the right-back is putting in close to six hours of recovery work daily, underscoring his determination to return in peak condition.
PSG sources have also confirmed that Hakimi remains under strict medical supervision, receiving specialised treatment and closely monitored recovery sessions to accelerate his comeback.
Hakimi’s absence has been strongly felt. For PSG, his pace and tactical intelligence remain irreplaceable down the right flank.
For Morocco, the 25-year-old is a cornerstone of Walid Regragui’s system—providing defensive stability, explosive attacking runs, and dangerous set-piece deliveries.
With Morocco set to host AFCON for the first time since 1988, expectations are sky-high. The Atlas Lions have not lifted the continental crown since 1976, and the presence of their most influential players is seen as essential to ending the 49-year drought.
The emphasis on Hakimi’s recovery reflects Morocco’s broader investment in pre-tournament preparation, including medical, technical and logistical upgrades designed to give the team every advantage on home soil.
As the clock ticks towards kick-off in mid-2025, Hakimi’s commitment to an accelerated recovery has become a rallying point for supporters dreaming of an unforgettable Moroccan triumph.
Whether his comeback aligns perfectly with the tournament remains to be seen—but his determination has already reignited hope for a historic run.
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