Hakimi Receives Planned Rest as PSG Prepares for Troyes
Luis Enrique has never been afraid to make a big call. This week, one of his most trusted lieutenants is the one stepping aside.
Achraf Hakimi, a constant outlet on Paris Saint-Germain’s right flank this season, has been granted a complete break from club duties until the next international window. The decision rules the Moroccan out of PSG’s Ligue 1 clash with Troyes on Saturday and removes one of the side’s most influential weapons from the immediate equation.
This is not a punishment, nor a mystery omission. It is load management at the top level.
A Calculated Pause for a Key Figure
Hakimi has been relentless since the campaign began. Eight league appearances, three goals, and a near-permanent presence in Enrique’s high-tempo system have underlined just how central he is to PSG’s structure.
The club, though, has drawn a line before fatigue does it for them.
In a bid to head off any speculation, PSG moved quickly with a formal communication, stressing that the call came from a united front rather than a whim from the touchline.
“In agreement with the coach and the Sporting Direction, Achraf Hakimi is benefiting from a rest period until the start of the international break,” the statement confirmed.
Behind that short sentence lies a clear message: Hakimi is too important to run into the ground. With a long season ahead, and international duty looming, PSG’s hierarchy has chosen to protect one of its star assets now rather than pay the price later.
Enrique’s Right-Side Riddle
Hakimi’s absence leaves a sizeable tactical hole. His pace, vertical runs, and attacking instincts have become a trademark of PSG’s right side. Replacing the profile is impossible; covering the position is non-negotiable.
Enrique has options, but each comes with a different twist.
Warren Zaire-Emery, the teenager who has already forced his way into regular league action with nine appearances, could be asked to slide back into the right-back role. He reads the game well, presses aggressively, and has the technical quality to build from deep. It would not be his natural habitat, but Enrique has never shied away from reimagining a player’s position if the tactical picture demands it.
There is also the academy route. David Boly, just 17, has already tasted Ligue 1 with a single appearance and is firmly on the club’s radar as one for the future. A start against Troyes would be a bold move, a clear show of trust in the youth setup, and a test of temperament as much as talent.
Enrique’s choice here will say plenty about how he views his squad depth and who he believes can shoulder responsibility when a senior figure steps out of the frame.
Troyes Test and the Road Ahead
With Hakimi watching from the sidelines, PSG still have a job to do. Troyes arrive as domestic business continues, and the Parisiens will expect nothing less than three points to keep their momentum intact.
The challenge is straightforward on paper: maintain their strong league form without one of their main attacking outlets from deep. The reality is trickier. Hakimi’s runs stretch defences, his goals change games, his presence alone forces opponents to adjust.
Someone else now has to ask those questions on the right.
Once the final whistle blows this weekend, club football pauses and the focus shifts to national colours. Hakimi is expected to join up with Morocco for their upcoming fixtures, provided he receives the call and the rest period has done its job.
PSG’s gamble is simple: a short, controlled break now for a fresher, sharper Hakimi when the season starts to bite. If it works, this quiet November decision could echo loudly in the decisive months to come.
