File Photo: Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi (L) playing against Niger in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. AFP
The PSG full-back has been sidelined since early November after suffering a sprained ankle in a 2-1 defeat by Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Despite the injury, Hakimi was named in Morocco’s 26-man squad for the tournament, which kicks off on 21 December as Regragui weighs the availability of his key player.
“Achraf will play at the Africa Cup of Nations. That is certain,” Regragui was quoted as saying by French newspaper Le Parisien.
“When and against which team, we know, but we will keep that to ourselves.
“But it is certain that he will take part in the tournament.”
The recently crowned African Footballer of the Year is undergoing treatment, with the coach saying his recovery was progressing well.
“He is doing better, he is improving. He wants to be here,” Regragui said. “He is our leader, our captain.”
Tournament hosts Morocco open their campaign against Comoros on Sunday.
Regragui acknowledged the additional pressure of hosting the continental tournament, with Morocco widely regarded as one of the favourites.
The North African side last won the title in 1976.
Morocco have not lost a home match since a 3-2 friendly defeat by Gabon in 2019 and have not lost a competitive home game since a 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat by Cameroon in 2009.
“Of course there is additional pressure, but we are not going to hide from it,” Regragui was quoted as saying by Flashscore.
“This pressure is not only on me but also on the players. It is a big responsibility, but one we accept with pride.”
The coach, who led Morocco to a historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, said his team respected all their group opponents.
“We respect all the teams in our group. Everyone dreams of winning,” he said. “But with the talent and motivation in this squad, we are confident of making our supporters proud.”
Morocco are in Group A alongside Comoros, Mali and Zambia.
The top two teams in each group, along with the four best third-placed sides, will advance to the knockout stage.
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