The Achraf Hakimi AFCON return gained some ground as the captain of Morocco provided positive news on injury before the last Group A match in the Africa Cup of Nations. In an interview at a press conference on Sunday, the right-back stated that he was physically fit after several weeks of rest after suffering an ankle injury.
The 27-year-old had been out since the beginning of November after being injured while playing with Paris Saint-Germain. The medical staff in Morocco was very wary, and he was not taken to the first two matches of the tournament, although he was available.
Hakimi, who had reconstructive surgery to repair a broken femur, told reporters that he was feeling fine and far better than he was earlier because he had undertaken a well-planned recovery programme by club and country staff. He also pointed out that he did not feel fully fit in the past few weeks, but now he is fit to play, should he be chosen, and is willing to assist on the bench should he be called upon.
The same Morocco coach, Walid Regragui, provided a good assurance regarding the status of the defender in the same media meeting. Regragui said Hakimi was entirely fit and available and that he was complemented by the level of commitment that Hakimi had and the cooperation of his club when going through rehabilitation.
The coach was also grateful to Nasser Al-Khelaifi for admitting Hakimi to the national camp early enough to undergo his recovery. He referred to the procedure as a model and emphasised the welfare of players before large international tournaments.
Hakimi will most likely appear in his first match of the competition in the group game on Monday against Zambia. The game will determine who will be in last position in Group A, as Morocco has already established itself in a high position to reach the knockout stage.
The Achraf Hakimi AFCON back brings along the additional weight because the tournament is being hosted on the home turf. Morocco has already earned four points from their opening games, such as a victory against Comoros and a draw against Mali, which maintained the momentum.
The emotional strain of the injury was also recognised by Hakimi, who admitted that he was afraid of not being able to participate in the tournament at all. He was now in perfect health and emphasised his resolve to make a difference regardless of his role in propelling Morocco towards its objective of holding the AFCON cup.
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