Regragui says injured Achraf Hakimi will return for Morocco like a ‘beast’

Morocco national team coach Walid Regragui is confident defender Achraf Hakimi will recover very soon to be with the team.

The African Player of the Year suffered an injury while playing for Paris Saint-Germain in a Champions League game against Bayern Munich which the French champions lost 2-1.

After the game, PSG confirmed Hakimi had suffered a serious ankle injury, ruling him out of action for several weeks. The statement said: “Achraf Hakimi sustained a significant injury to his left ankle and will be sidelined for several weeks.”

‘I saw Hakimi crying out of anger’

Speaking on the injury as quoted by Morocco World News, Regragui said: “When I saw his ankle, I asked Rachid Benmahmoud what he thought. But when I saw Hakimi crying out of anger, I realized the situation was serious.”

He added: “I know Hakimi well. When he comes back, he will return like a beast. Sometimes we argue on the pitch because of his passion, but that’s part of his character.”

Regragui further revealed what he told Hakimi at Mohammed VI Football Complex in Sale after the CAF Awards ceremony.

“Ballon d’Or! You look taller today.” Hakimi replied: “Maybe because of the scooter.” Regragui teased further: “Or maybe because you won the Ballon d’Or.”

Hakimi’s setback was a major blow for Paris Saint-Germain, as the Moroccan full-back was one of the team’s key performers. The injury further saw Hakimi miss international fixtures in November with the Morocco national team.