Achraf Hakimi avoids fracture scare but faces 6–8 weeks out after horror Luis Diaz challenge | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Achraf Hakimi suffered a severe left ankle sprain during Tuesday night’s 2–1 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.

However, the Moroccan international star has avoided a fracture, which would have sidelined him for a longer time.

The right-back was on the receiving end of a reckless challenge from Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz, leaving him in visible agony before being substituted.

Scans have now revealed Hakimi is expected to be sidelined for between six and eight weeks.

The setback rules him out of PSG’s final Champions League group matches and a crucial run of Ligue 1 fixtures leading up to Christmas.

Still, there is optimism that Hakimi could still recover in time for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The tournament runs from December 21 to January 18 in Morocco, and the 26-year-old remains hopeful of featuring for the host nation.

Hakimi’s injury adds to a growing list of absentees for PSG, with Ousmane Dembele also ruled out after picking up a left calf problem, and Nuno Mendes sidelined with a sprained left knee.

The reigning Ballon d’Or winner has spent a massive chunk of the season sidelined, and there is no letting up.

Young midfielder Desire Doue continues his rehabilitation from a long-term knock.

The timing is far from ideal for Luis Enrique’s side, who are balancing domestic ambitions with European progression.

Hakimi’s blistering pace and attacking thrust have been central to PSG’s style, and his absence will likely see the Spanish tactician turn to one of his youth players to fill the void.

PSG are feeling the brunt of a busy 2024/25 schedule that saw the Ligue 1 Champions play over 65 games across four different competitions.

Besides the injuries, fatigue is clearly taking a toll on the players. They are not as sharp as they were last season, looking off the boil.

If they continue to struggle this way, they will likely see their Champions League crown snatched come May.

Domestically, Olympique Marseille are eager to capitalise and topple Les Parisiens but will need to show consistency, which has eluded Les Phoceens since 2010.