PSG Shifts Strategy, Pursues Right Back Amidst Hakimi Injury Recovery Timeline Update
Paris saint-germain is reversing course on its previous stance against signing a backup right back, spurred by a more definitive recovery timeline for Achraf Hakimi and a string of injuries sustained during Tuesday’s champions League match against Bayern Munich. Initially feared to be a potentially season-ending injury, Hakimi’s ankle injury-the result of a tackle by Luis Diaz-is now estimated to sideline him for six to eight weeks, extending through the africa Cup of Nations.
The club also confirmed injuries to Ousmane Dembélé (calf) and Nuno Mendes (knee),though their returns are anticipated before Hakimi’s.PSG had previously relied on players like Warren Zaire-Emery, Joao Neves, Senny Mayulu, and Marquinhos to cover the right back position, a strategy championed by manager Luis Enrique.
“he is without a doubt the best right-back in the world for me. This is why we are not signing another right-back. He always plays, almost every match and when he doesn’t play, we have other very good options. If everyone says you need a right back, you have to pay a lot of money to bring in a right back who will be a substitute, who will play three games and who will be demotivated as he won’t be better than Hakimi,” Enrique stated regarding the position.
Though, L’Équipe reports that PSG leadership has begun exploring options for a specialist right back, ideally one capable of playing centrally. Barcelona defender Eric Garcia has emerged as a leading candidate,as he is playing regularly and his contract with the catalan club expires next June,potentially facilitating a winter transfer.
