Long exchanges and a late waiver. At the very start of the year, PSG had fought hard to ensure the presence of Achraf Hakimi for the Champions Trophy (2-0 against Toulouse, January 3). Until the last moments, he had to find the words, convince, justify himself so that Morocco, in full preparation for the African Cup of Nations, did not leave him at the disposal of Luis Enrique. This fight brought back to the table the absence of a natural replacement for the Moroccan. He also exposed the importance that he was able to take on in a hybrid role, sometimes in the corridor then inside, where he highlights his ability to project himself to bring in a surplus and fuel the imbalance in the opponent.
However, the following five matches had to be played without him and, at that time, Paris did not imagine that it would have to prepare for a quarter-final first leg of the Champions League deprived of the ex-Interist. Suspended for having received a third warning in the competition in San Sebastian (2-1, March 5), Achraf Hakimi will not play Act I, in Barcelona, next Wednesday April 10. An absence which will force Luis Enrique to review, once again, his right lane.
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