Luis Enrique Stuns PSG With Decision to Leave Achraf Hakimi Out
The PSG coach has made an unexpected decision involving one of his most important players, just days after a remarkable performance. The club has confirmed that the Moroccan defender will miss its upcoming Ligue 1 match.
Achraf Hakimi will not feature for Paris Saint-Germain this Saturday, November 7. The Moroccan right-back, one of the team's most influential players, has been granted a rest period until the upcoming international break and will miss the match against Troyes.
The decision was made jointly by head coach Luis Enrique and the club's sporting management. PSG confirmed in an official statement that Hakimi will rest until the start of the international break, meaning his absence is not related to an injury.
The announcement comes at a surprising moment. The 28-year-old defender has just delivered one of his finest performances in a PSG shirt and has been a regular presence in Luis Enrique's starting lineup.
From Scoring Three Goals to Being Rested
On October 30, Hakimi starred in PSG's 5-1 victory over Le Havre, scoring the first hat-trick of his career and providing two assists. He was directly involved in all five of his team's goals.
Just days later, he started PSG's 6-0 victory over Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League, playing 74 minutes. Overall, he has featured in 14 of PSG's 15 competitive matches this season, starting 13 of them.
Luis Enrique has regularly managed his players' workloads throughout the campaign. Ousmane Dembélé has also been given rest periods as the Spanish coach looks to keep his squad fresh during a demanding season.
Who Could Replace Hakimi Against Troyes?
Hakimi's absence leaves Luis Enrique searching for an alternative at right-back when PSG host Troyes at the Parc des Princes. One of the leading candidates is Warren Zaïre-Emery, who can operate on the right side of defense despite being primarily a midfielder.
Another option is David Boly, a highly rated 17-year-old defender who has started gaining experience with the first team. The youngster scored in the victory over Villarreal and could now be handed another opportunity in Ligue 1.
Hakimi Set to Rest Before Morocco Duty
PSG will welcome Troyes on Saturday, November 7, in Matchday 10 of the French championship, their final domestic fixture before the international break.
Hakimi has been included in Morocco's squad for the matches against Niger on November 13 and 17, part of the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. PSG's statement did not indicate that he would miss those international fixtures.
For now, the club's priority is to give the defender time to recover after several demanding weeks. Meanwhile, Luis Enrique must find a solution at right-back without one of his most reliable starters.
Key Facts Behind Hakimi's Absence
- The decision: PSG have granted Hakimi a rest period until the international break.
- The match: he will miss Saturday's Ligue 1 fixture against Troyes.
- The replacements: Warren Zaïre-Emery and David Boly are potential options at right-back.
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Luis Enrique Martínez García
Paris Saint-Germain FC
Achraf Hakimi Mouh
Paris Saint-Germain FC
