Paris Saint-Germain have suffered a significant setback ahead of their Champions League second leg against Bayern Munich, with key defender Achraf Hakimi ruled out for several weeks due to a right thigh injury. The injury, sustained during Tuesday’s dramatic 5-4 first-leg victory in Paris, casts a shadow over PSG’s hopes of reaching the final and retaining their European title.
The news was confirmed by PSG in a statement on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. “Having suffered a right thigh injury during the match against Bayern, Hakimi will remain in treatment for the next few weeks,” the club announced. This means the Moroccan international will miss the crucial return leg in Munich on May 6th.
Hakimi played the full 90 minutes against Bayern, providing an assist for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Still, he reportedly pulled up clutching his hamstring in the closing stages of the first half, though he was able to continue playing after receiving treatment, as PSG had already used all their substitutions. He was subsequently replaced at half-time in PSG’s 3-0 Ligue 1 win over Angers last weekend before returning to the starting lineup against Bayern.
The timing of the injury is particularly concerning for both PSG and Morocco. With the World Cup – hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico – quick approaching in six weeks, Hakimi’s participation in the tournament is now in doubt. He was a key figure for Morocco during their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, starting in every game.
Hakimi’s absence represents a major loss for Luis Enrique’s side. The right-back has been a consistent performer for PSG, scoring the opening goal in last season’s Champions League final against Inter Milan, where the Parisians secured a 5-0 victory and their first-ever European crown. He has been ever-present in the team’s lineup this season, demonstrating his importance to Enrique’s tactical setup.
The injury to Hakimi adds to PSG’s growing injury concerns. While the club did not specify any other injuries in their statement, reports suggest that several other players are carrying knocks. This could force Enrique to reshuffle his defense for the trip to Munich, potentially relying on alternatives like Nordi Mukiele or Colin Dagba to fill the void left by Hakimi.
The second leg in Munich promises to be a fiercely contested affair. Bayern Munich will be looking to capitalize on their away goal advantage and the absence of Hakimi to overturn the first-leg deficit. The match is scheduled for 6 May, with a kickoff time of 21:00 CEST (15:00 EDT). The pressure will be immense on both teams as they battle for a place in the Champions League final.
Beyond the immediate impact on PSG’s Champions League ambitions, Hakimi’s injury raises questions about the physical demands placed on players in modern football. The congested fixture schedule, coupled with the intensity of international competitions, often leads to fatigue and increased risk of injury. Here’s a challenge faced by clubs and national teams across the globe, and finding solutions to mitigate these risks is becoming increasingly important.
PSG will be hoping for a swift recovery for Hakimi, but his absence will undoubtedly be felt in the coming weeks. The club will need to rally and find a way to overcome this setback if they are to continue their pursuit of Champions League glory. The focus now shifts to Munich, where PSG will face a stern test of their resilience and determination.
The next confirmed checkpoint for PSG is their Ligue 1 match against Lorient on May 10th, following the Champions League second leg. Updates on Hakimi’s recovery will be closely monitored by both PSG and Morocco fans.
What are your thoughts on PSG’s chances without Hakimi? Share your predictions in the comments below!
