Why is Achraf Hakimi Not Playing In PSG vs Tottenham Game?

Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain are all set to take on English Premier League (EPL) side Tottenham Hotspur as the two meet for the second time this season. PSG, who beat Inter Milan in last season’s final, take on Spurs for the second time, having already faced them in the UEFA Super Cup in August. However, in what will be the second competitive meeting between the sides, PSG will be facing issues at the right back region as star defender Achraf Hakimi is not included in the squad.

Since the squad list is out, fans are desperately asking Is Hakimi playing today or not but it seems the captain will miss out on today's UCL clash.

Is Achraf Hakimi Playing In PSG vs Tottenham Tonight?

Right-back Achraf Hakimi will remain out of the side with an ankle injury he suffered against Bayern on Matchday four. He won’t be the only worry for Luis Enrique and his side as they will be without the French duo of Desire Doue (hamstring) and Ousmane Dembele (calf) on the sidelines. However, it is Hakimi’s injury that will have a huge toll on the side as they look for reinforcements.

Hakimi’s injury has been confirmed by several media reports, while coach Luis Enrique has not provided any timeline on when the defender could return. He will be optimistic to have the defender back for further Champions League matches, where the champions would look to avoid a playoff path like the 2024-25 season.

So far in three UEFA Champions League matches, he has been in terrific form, assisting three goals and playing every minute of the competition until the injury against Bayern. They lost to Bayern last time out on home turf, where the Moroccan right back would have been a key member. He played a crucial role in the comprehensive wins over Bayer Leverkusen and Barcelona. The latter game was important as PSG came from behind to beat Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Hakimi’s absence will be duly felt as they take on Tottenham Hotspur at the Parc des Princes.

PSG Vs Tottenham Hotspur Lineups: Major Absentees

Spurs will head into the contest on the back of a defeat to Arsenal in the North London Derby they played on Sunday. PSG’s opponent will be wounded heading into the match and have injury worries of their own. Spurs were beaten 4-1 in their Premier League match and will have key absentees.

Dominic Solanke is nearing a return, but is not match fit, while the likes of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are not registered due to injury. Spurs haven’t registered Mathys Tel and Yves Bissouma as well for the Champions League.