Paris Saint-Germain have decided to give their Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi a rest period extending until the next international break, in agreement between Spanish coach Luis Enrique and the club’s sporting management, as confirmed by the club on its official account on the X platform. This decision deprives the right-back of participation in the match against Troyes scheduled for Saturday from 20:05 GMT, for the tenth round of Ligue 1.
Context of the decision: managing workloads before the resumption of competitions
This choice comes amid the Parisian technical staff’s keenness to give some of their players a chance to catch their breath with the pressure of matches and the multiplicity of domestic and continental commitments. Hakimi’s absence from the Troyes match represents an opportunity to catch his breath before joining the national squad.
Hakimi is expected to return to competitive action via the Moroccan national team, as he is expected to join the “Atlas Lions” camp in preparation for the two matches against Niger, home and away, on 13 and 17 November, within the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals. The national squad is counting on his experience and abilities to continue the journey in the continental qualifiers.
Enrique had previously praised Hakimi’s performance after his hat-trick against Le Havre in Ligue 1, confirming during a press conference that the player is “closer to a forward playing in an advanced position”, and stressing his ability to penetrate and provide decisive passes. He described him as the best right-back in the world, adding: “What I like is to see him constantly at the highest level, and always ready.”
Hakimi was present in the five goals of the French champions against Le Havre, who strengthened their position at the top of the Ligue 1 standings after their ninth consecutive victory in all competitions. The Moroccan international scored in the 26th minute, added a goal from a free kick in the 55th minute, and completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute.
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- 9 consecutive victories for Paris Saint-Germain in all competitions before the Troyes match.
- 3 goals scored by Hakimi in the Le Havre match, the first hat-trick of his career.
- 13 and 17 November are the dates of the Morocco and Niger matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
For the Moroccan public, this decision means that Hakimi will arrive at the “Atlas Lions” camp after a period of physical rest, which could give him an advantage in two matches in which the national squad needs his experience on the right side.
