PSG Star Achraf Hakimi to Stand Trial on Rape Charge—What’s Next?

Achraf Hakimi is back in Paris Saint-Germain’s starting picture just in time for tonight’s UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes, having been declared fully fit after a late medical check. The Moroccan right-back was forced off at half-time during PSG’s weekend league win over Angers, raising fears he would miss the heavyweight European clash, but club staff confirmed on match-day morning that the 27-year-old has recovered completely. His return hands coach Luis Enrique the explosiveness down the flank that underpins the French champions’ counter-attacking blueprint. Milestone month for the Moroccan star • Earlier in April, Hakimi marked his 200th competitive appearance for PSG in a 3-0 Ligue 1 victory against Toulouse, an achievement the club hailed as “200 percent” commitment to the Parisian project. • The former Real Madrid and Inter defender has lifted three domestic trophies since arriving in 2021 and is now chasing a first Champions League crown. What Hakimi’s availability means versus Bayern 1. Tactical width: His overlap with Ousmane Dembélé on the right forces Bayern’s Alphonso Davies to defend deeper, creating pockets for Kylian Mbappé to attack centrally. 2. Press resistance: Hakimi’s pace offers a direct outlet to beat Bayern’s high press, a key factor identified by assistant coach Jesús Casas during the pre-match briefing. 3. Defensive security: Facing Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala, PSG value Hakimi’s recovery speed—especially after conceding late equalisers in the last two European rounds. Latest team news • PSG: Hakimi fit; Nuno Mendes remains on a managed minutes program; Marquinhos returns, giving Luis Enrique a near-full squad. • Bayern: Harry Kane starts; Kingsley Coman ruled out with a hamstring strain sustained in the quarter-final. Live match coverage begins at 20:00 CET, with PSG looking to overturn last season’s elimination by the German giants. Key stats to watch • Hakimi averages 7.1 progressive carries per 90 minutes in this Champions League campaign, the highest of any full-back still in the tournament. • PSG are unbeaten in 16 home European fixtures when Hakimi starts. • The Morocco international has been directly involved in four goals across five knockout-stage matches this season. Looking ahead With speculation about a potential summer move persistently swirling, tonight’s showdown doubles as a shop-window moment for Hakimi. Victory would put PSG on course for only their second Champions League final in the Qatari-ownership era and cement the Casablanca-born defender’s status as one of world football’s elite right-backs.