Moroccos Hakimi ready to play at Cup of Nations after injury

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FILE PHOTO: Paris 2024 Olympics - Football - Mens Quarter-final - Morocco vs United States - Parc des Princes, Paris, France - August 02, 2024. Achraf Hakimi of Morocco celebrates scoring their third goal. REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw/File Photo

RABAT, Dec 20 - Moroccos African Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi has recovered from an ankle injury and is ready to play at the Africa Cup of Nations, he told a press conference on Saturday.

The participation of the Morocco captain at their home tournament had been in doubt after he hurt ankle ligaments playing for Paris St Germain against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last month.

There has been speculation over his recovery since, but the 27-year-old Hakimi was in confident mood on the eve of Sunday’s opening game.

Morocco kick off the month-long tournament against Comoros in Rabat on Sunday, although whether Hakimi will be given more time to recover remains to be seen.

I feel good. Im following the programme with the doctors and the coach (Walid Regragui). After that, well see what the coach decides. You can ask him, he told reporters.

I was scared after my injury. I didnt want to miss this Cup of Nations that we are hosting.

“I wanted to be there with the team. I dont know when Ill play, but I feel ready, he added.

Regragui thanked the fullback for his hard work during the rehabilitation process.