Achraf Hakimi Sidelined: PSG Faces Tottenham Without Key Right-Back

Achraf Hakimi’s Absence Looms Over PSG’s Champions League Campaign

When Paris Saint-Germain stride onto the pitch at Parc des Princes for their Champions League showdown with Tottenham Hotspur, all eyes will search for the familiar, electric presence of Achraf Hakimi on the right flank. But this time, fans will be left wanting. The Moroccan international, a cornerstone of PSG’s defensive and attacking transitions, remains sidelined by a serious left ankle sprain suffered during the heated encounter with Bayern Munich on November 4. The timing could hardly be worse, with PSG aiming to solidify their path to the knockout stages.

Hakimi’s Injury: Details and Recovery Timeline

Hakimi’s injury, confirmed by multiple club and media reports including The Football Faithful and official Tottenham Hotspur communications, is a significant blow. The left ankle sprain is described as ‘serious’, ruling him out for several weeks—a period that overlaps with some of PSG’s most consequential fixtures this autumn. Head coach Luis Enrique has not provided a precise date for Hakimi’s return, but there is consensus among sources that the right-back will miss this week’s decisive clash and likely more matches ahead.

For PSG, Hakimi’s absence is more than just a missing name on the team sheet. His pace, overlapping runs, and relentless energy have been instrumental in both their domestic and European successes. The void left by his injury puts pressure on PSG’s defensive structure and limits their options for quick transitions out of the back—an area Tottenham will no doubt look to exploit.

Squad Adjustments: How PSG Will Cope

Injuries are a test of any team’s depth and adaptability, and PSG’s current spell is no exception. Alongside Hakimi, young midfielder Désiré Doué is also unavailable as he continues his recovery. On a more optimistic note, Ousmane Dembélé, recently crowned Ballon d’Or winner and a pivotal force in PSG’s attack, may return after his own stint on the sidelines. Coach Luis Enrique told reporters: “If there are no problems, he will be called up.” Dembélé’s possible return offers some solace, but he won’t fill Hakimi’s unique role on the pitch.

To counter the defensive gaps, PSG will likely turn to their bench. Nuno Mendes, who recently returned from a knee injury and played a full 90 minutes in the 3-0 victory over Le Havre, is expected to start. Youthful talents like Warren Zaire-Emery and the versatile Bradley Barcola may see increased responsibilities. The predicted lineup, per The Football Faithful, includes Chevalier in goal, with Zaire-Emery, Zabarnyi, Pacho, and Mendes forming the back line. While this configuration has demonstrated resilience, the absence of Hakimi’s dynamism is hard to disguise.

The Stakes: PSG vs Tottenham in the Champions League

The significance of this match extends beyond the three points at stake. Both teams are vying for advancement from a fiercely competitive group, and every tactical edge matters. PSG’s 4-3 penalty shootout win over Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup earlier this year is still fresh in memory, but the French champions are coming off a recent disappointment against Bayern Munich. With Tottenham eager to capitalize on PSG’s defensive reshuffle, the spotlight is firmly on how the Parisians will adapt without one of their chief difference-makers.

Supporters in the UK can watch the match live on TNT Sports 3, with kickoff set for 8pm BST on Wednesday, November 26. The stakes are clear: a win could propel PSG toward the knockouts, while a slip-up might open the door for their English rivals.

Hakimi’s Influence: More Than Just a Defender

Hakimi’s contributions to PSG transcend traditional defensive duties. In the modern game, the right-back position is a launchpad for attacking moves, and Hakimi has made this role his own. Last season, he was among the team’s top chance creators from open play, constantly pushing high up the field, providing width, and linking up with PSG’s attacking stars. Without him, PSG lose not only his defensive solidity but also a vital creative spark. The pressure now falls on others to step up—an opportunity for new heroes to emerge, but also a risk in the high-stakes environment of European football.

While the team’s depth remains impressive, as highlighted by both The Football Faithful and Tottenham Hotspur’s official updates, there’s an undeniable sense that PSG’s full potential is on hold until Hakimi’s return. For now, the Parisian faithful must wait and hope for good news from the medical staff in the coming weeks.

Assessment: The facts are clear—PSG’s ambitions this season will be tested by Achraf Hakimi’s absence. His injury is a blow not only tactically but psychologically, stripping the squad of a leader and a game-changer. While PSG’s bench strength may carry them through, the coming matches will reveal whether the team’s collective spirit and tactical flexibility are enough to compensate for the loss of one of Europe’s premier right-backs.