CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Why isn’t Achraf Hakimi playing for PSG against Barcelona?
A packed Parc des Princes expects as PSG fans are hoping that this can finally be the season the French club secures Europe’s most coveted trophy.
In the 41st minute of PSG’s Champions League Round of 16 game away to Real Sociedad in March, a foul from Achraf Hakimi was deemed worthy of a yellow card by English match official Michael Oliver.
The booking took the Moroccan international’s tally to five for the 2023-24 Champions League campaign and has subsequently ruled the 25-year-old of participating in Wednesday’s crunch home quarter-final against FC Barcelona at Parc des Princes.
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Hakimi’s suspension is a blow for boss Luis Enrique with the full-back a regular starter in his PSG side this campaign having participated in 22 Ligue 1 games along with being an ever present for the Parisian side in their Champions League campaign to date this season.
Hakimi’s replacements
The Spanish has three possible replacements to cover the Moroccan’s absence on Wednesday with Warren Zaïre-Emery playing at right-back in the first leg is the option that the Asturian manager is favoured to employ.
Brazilian defender Marquinhos could also be deployed into the position and outside chances see the likes of Carlos Soler or Nordi Mukiele starting for the Ligue 1 giants as the quest for the Parisian club to secure what would be their first ever Champions League title begins with eclipsing Barça in the quarterfinals.