Football star Achraf Hakimi is in a race against time, striving to regain his health in time for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco. Despite nursing an injury, Hakimi is unfazed and willing to pull out all the stops to return to the field in time.
Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) defender severely injured his ankle during a fiercely competitive Champions League match. The incident, which unfolded on November 4, 2025, saw him carted off the field, his ankle tightly encased in an orthopedic boot, following a harsh tackle from Bayern Munich’s Luis Díaz.
Injury Analysis and Recovery Roadmap
Subsequent medical analysis identified a severe sprain to the left ankle. Thankfully avoiding fracture, the internal ligaments did, however, bear the brunt of the impact. Announced by the club, the recovery period was initially forecasted to be between six to eight weeks.
The immediate challenge before Hakimi was to recover in time for AFCON 2025, slated to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Understanding the stakes, Hakimi plunged head-first into an intense rehabilitation regimen.
Signs of Determination
According to media reports, the footballer endures five to six hours of daily therapy, encompassing physiotherapy, muscle strengthening, and treatment from his personal physiotherapist. In an interview, the resilient Hakimi shared, The inflammation has reduced, and the pain is gone. I remain focused, working hard to be fit for the AFCON.
His hard work is beginning to show positive signs. By November 27, he was seen without his orthopedic boot at the PSG training center – a significant step toward athletic retraining.
The Uncertainties Ahead
However, uncertainties linger. The time for a full recovery before AFCON is ticking away, and even with relentless therapy, there is doubt about Hakimi getting back into top form within a month.
Various reporting sources speculate that he might miss the early stages of the tournament, making his reappearance during the elimination rounds if his recovery progresses as expected. His imminent return could significantly bolster the national team’s prospects. However, currently, it’s a race against time where discipline, perfect recovery, and some luck will determine Achraf Hakimi’s presence at AFCON 2025’s inaugural ceremony.
