PSG’s Defensive Woes as Hakimi Faces Extended Time on the Sidelines
The highly anticipated second leg of the Champions League semifinal between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is set to take place next Tuesday in Germany. Currently, the French squad holds a narrow lead in the series with a score of 5-4. Unfortunately, PSG's defense has taken a hit as Achraf Hakimi will not be available for the return match due to a right thigh injury, which was officially announced by the club this Wednesday.
This unfortunate setback is expected to keep Hakimi off the field for several weeks, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, where he is anticipated to play a crucial leadership role for Morocco.
The Moroccan right-back sustained his injury during the closing minutes of the thrilling first leg of the Champions League semifinal, specifically in the 88th minute, where PSG triumphed over Bayern Munich in a high-scoring match held in Paris. Despite the injury, Hakimi completed the game after all substitutions had been made by his team.
After the match, PSG's coach Luis Enrique opted not to speculate on the severity of Hakimi's injury, stating, "We will see what his condition is on Wednesday." Meanwhile, team captain Marquinhos downplayed the situation, referring to it as mere "cramps." However, medical examinations conducted on Wednesday confirmed that Hakimi indeed has a strain in his right hamstring.
This latest injury comes on the heels of a previous absence for Hakimi, who missed several weeks at the end of 2025 due to an ankle sprain. In his absence, Warren Zaïre-Emery appears poised to take his place in the lineup, which may also allow for Spanish player Fabián Ruiz to step into a more prominent role in this crucial European semifinal clash.
Additionally, goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, who is currently a backup to Matveï Safonov, has also suffered a right thigh injury and will be sidelined for the next few weeks as well, as confirmed by the French squad.
As reported by elcolombiano.com.
