Achraf Hakimi’s Injury on His 27th Birthday
Achraf Hakimi’s 27th birthday took a disappointing turn as the Paris Saint-Germain defender sustained a severe strain to his right ankle, sidelining him for approximately six weeks. This injury occurred during a Champions League match against Bayern Munich on Tuesday when he was targeted by a hard tackle from Luis Díaz just before the end of the first half. Following a VAR review, Díaz received a red card for his challenge.
Medical Assessment and Recovery
Hakimi was visibly upset as he was taken off the field on a stretcher, but subsequent medical scans confirmed that he did not fracture his ankle and won’t need surgery. However, he will need to stay off his feet for two weeks before starting a rehabilitation process projected to last a month.
Impact on Upcoming Competitions
The injury complicates Hakimi’s chances of participating in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco is set to host. There are concerns at PSG that he may miss the group stage matches, which are slated to begin on December 21, although there is a possibility he could be available for the later knockout rounds.
Sportsmanship and Reflections
In a show of sportsmanship, Díaz expressed his regret on social media, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of football and wishing Hakimi a speedy recovery. “It was a night full of emotions,” he reflected. “Football always reminds us that in 90 minutes, anything can happen, both the best and the worst. I was saddened not to finish the match with my teammates, but I’m proud of their extraordinary effort.”
Other Injuries in the Match
Hakimi was not the only player to leave the game injured; Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé also suffered a calf strain as he made his return from a previous hamstring injury. Additionally, Nuno Mendes sprained his left knee during the same match. Reports suggest that both may not return to the pitch before the year’s end.
Consequences for Bayern Munich
Díaz, who has made significant contributions for Bayern with 10 goals in 16 matches, will be absent for their Champions League match against Arsenal on November 26 due to his red card sanction.
