Key Takeaways
- Achraf Hakimi faces a race against time to recover from a hamstring strain before Wednesday’s second leg in Munich.
- Initial medical exams confirm the problem is not merely cramp, putting the Moroccan defender’s availability in serious doubt.
- Teenage midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery is on standby to replace Hakimi at right-back if the star fails to prove his fitness.
Paris Saint-Germain are sweating over the fitness of Achraf Hakimi ahead of their crucial Champions League trip to Germany. The Moroccan defender suffered a hamstring problem during Tuesday’s dramatic 5-4 victory over Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes.
The incident occurred late in the match when Hakimi attempted to challenge Konrad Laimer. He fell to the pitch clutching the back of his leg and remained grounded for some time. However, manager Luis Enrique could not withdraw him because the team had already used all their substitutions. Instead, coaches moved Hakimi into an advanced position to shield him from demanding defensive sprints.
Subsequent medical assessments have confirmed the knock is not simply cramp. According to reports from journalist Fabrice Hawkins, initial scans indicate a muscle strain. Further tests throughout the day will determine the full extent of the damage and whether the 25-year-old can recover in time.
The reigning European champions travel to Bavaria next week holding a narrow one-goal advantage. Should Hakimi fail to recover, teenage talent Warren Zaïre-Emery stands ready to deputise at right-back. The potential absence of the Moroccan star would represent a significant blow as PSG aim to protect their slender lead against the German giants at the Allianz Arena.