Cheima Moufdil
Morocco captain and talisman Achraf Hakimi if fully fit and available for the African Cup Of Nation on home soil, but his place in the starting XI for the opening match against Comoros remains undecided, head coach Walid Regragui confirmed on saturday.
Speaking in Rabat ahead of their Group A opener against Comoros, Regragui stressed that a final decision on Hakimi's involvement will be made close to kickoff, balancing fitness with the demands of a long tournament.
The Paris Saint Germain right-back has not featured since sustaining a severe left ankle sprain in a UEFA Champions League match against Bayern Munich on November 4. The injury initially raised doubts over his participation, after the 27 year old left the pitch visibily distressed.
Regragui praised Hakimi's recovery and commitement, highlighting the sacrifices he has made over the past month to be ready for the competition. While confirming that Hakimi is physically capable of starting, the coach acknowledged the option of managing his minutes to protect him for the remainder of the tournament.
Hakimi, the reigning African Player of The Year and Ballor d'Or top 10 finisher, expressed confidence in his condition, stating that he feels good and has fully adhered to the medical and technical program designed for his return.
Morocco, chasing a first African Cup of Nations title since 1976, will also face Mali and Zambia in Group A.
The tournament runs into the new year, with the final scheduled to be played in Rabat January 18.