Achraf Hakimi to Miss Champions League Semifinal Second Leg with Thigh Injury

Key facts

• Hakimi suffered a right thigh injury in the 88th minute of PSG's 5-4 win over Bayern Munich on April 28, 2026.
• PSG announced on April 29 that Hakimi will be out for several weeks, missing the second leg on May 6 in Munich.
• Hakimi provided an assist for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the first leg before being injured.
• This is the second time this season Hakimi has been injured against Bayern; he missed weeks after an ankle injury in November 2025.
• Hakimi will also face trial for a rape allegation from February 2023; he denies wrongdoing.
• Morocco's first World Cup match is on June 13, 2026, against Brazil, just 38 days after the second leg.
• Hakimi finished sixth in the 2025 Ballon d'Or voting and started every game for Morocco in the 2022 World Cup semifinal run.

Injury Strikes in Thrilling Victory

Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will miss the return leg of the Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich after sustaining a right thigh injury during Tuesday's 5-4 first-leg victory. The club confirmed on Wednesday that the Morocco international will be sidelined for several weeks. Hakimi played the full 90 minutes and assisted Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's goal before pulling up clutching his hamstring in the closing stages. With PSG having exhausted all substitutions, he remained on the pitch despite the injury. The second leg is scheduled for May 6 in Munich. PSG, the reigning European champions, hold a one-goal advantage from the first leg.

Recurring Injury Against Bayern

This is the second time this season that Hakimi has been injured in a match against Bayern. He missed several weeks after damaging his left ankle during a 2-1 group-stage loss in November 2025. Hakimi had been an ever-present figure for PSG under coach Luis Enrique, scoring the opener in last season's 5-0 final win over Inter Milan. He was replaced at half-time in PSG's 3-0 Ligue 1 win at Angers last weekend but returned to the starting lineup against Bayern. His absence leaves a significant gap in PSG's defense for the crucial second leg.

World Cup Fitness Concerns

The injury comes just 38 days before Morocco's debut in the 2026 World Cup against Brazil on June 13. Morocco are in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. Hakimi, who started every game for Morocco during their historic semifinal run at the 2022 World Cup, is expected to be a key player this summer. His match fitness is now a concern, though all indications suggest he will recover in time for the tournament. If PSG advance past Bayern, they will face Arsenal or Atlético Madrid in the Champions League final on May 30, a match Hakimi is expected to be available for.

Rape Allegation and Upcoming Trial

Off the pitch, Hakimi faces a trial following a rape allegation from February 2023. A 24-year-old woman claimed that Hakimi assaulted her after they met via Instagram. The Nanterre prosecutor's office opened an investigation in 2023 and confirmed on Tuesday that Hakimi will stand trial. Hakimi denies any wrongdoing and wrote on X: "Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial, even though I contest it and everything proves that it is false." He added that he awaits the trial calmly, expecting the truth to come out. The plaintiff's lawyer expressed relief that the case will go to trial, stating it is "fully consistent with the evidence file" and noting that "there are still circles where the MeToo movement has not broken the sound barrier, with the world of men's football at the forefront." A trial date has not been set.

Impact on PSG's Champions League Ambitions

Hakimi's absence is a major blow for PSG as they seek to defend their European title. The right-back has been instrumental in their campaign, providing width and attacking threat from defense. PSG will need to adjust their tactics for the second leg in Munich, likely relying on alternative options such as Achraf's understudy or a reshuffled backline. The team's depth will be tested against a Bayern side eager to overturn the deficit. The winner of the semifinal will face either Arsenal or Atlético Madrid in the final on May 30.

Morocco's World Cup Hopes

Hakimi's fitness is critical for Morocco's World Cup ambitions. The Atlas Lions exceeded expectations in 2022, becoming the first African team to reach the semifinals. With Hakimi as a key figure, they aim to build on that success. Morocco's opening match against Brazil on June 13 is a daunting challenge. Hakimi's ability to recover and regain match sharpness will be closely monitored by the Moroccan coaching staff. The longer duration of the 2026 World Cup may allow for more recovery time, but losing rhythm remains a concern.

A Defining Period for Hakimi

The next few weeks will be pivotal for Achraf Hakimi, both professionally and personally. His recovery from injury will determine his availability for PSG's Champions League final and Morocco's World Cup campaign. Simultaneously, the legal proceedings will unfold, with Hakimi maintaining his innocence. The outcome of the trial could have lasting implications for his career and public image. For now, the 27-year-old faces a period of rehabilitation and preparation, with the football world watching closely.

The bottom line

• Hakimi will miss PSG's Champions League semifinal second leg against Bayern Munich due to a right thigh injury.
• The injury is the second time this season he has been sidelined after facing Bayern, raising concerns about his durability.
• His fitness for the 2026 World Cup is in question, with Morocco's first match against Brazil on June 13.
• Hakimi will stand trial for a rape allegation from 2023, which he denies; a date has not been set.
• PSG face a tactical challenge without their star right-back in the decisive second leg.
• Hakimi's absence could impact both PSG's title defense and Morocco's World Cup hopes.