Why signing a backup for Hakimi is vital for PSG?

Achraf Hakimi is on his way back after suffering a grave ankle injury following Luis Diaz's tackle when PSG fell 2-1 in Champions League at the hands of Bayern at the Parc des Princes over three weeks ago.

Since then, the international Morocco who is a key element of the team has been replaced by Warren Zaire-Emery while PSG awaits his return. However, with Morocco set to host the upcoming AFCON as one of the favourites of the tournament, Hakimi will be expected to captain his country into this competition and will therefore not be available or his side longer than expected.

Moreover, he will likely not be at 100% during this tournament and could risk another injury, which would sideline him even longer. To avoid impeding their chances to another potential treble-winning campaign, the European Champions urgently need to recruit a right-back for the second part of the season.

Why PSG urgently need to sign a right-back?

Over the last few months, Luis Enrique was reluctant to sign a backup for Achraf Hakimi, citing how low his playing time might be with the Moroccan being a vital component of his team.

However, Hakimi's grave ankle injury and his likely departure to the AFCON with Morocco on home soil, the 27-year-old could is set to miss almost two months of competition with PSG. Ultimately, it will force PSG Academy graduate Warren Zaire-Emery to play out of position for an extended period of time. Even though he is growing accustomed to this new position, it is far from being a natural role for him and could leave the already porous defence of the team even more fragilized in the near future.

But should Zaire-Emery be the first option to replace Hakimi when he is injured or rested by Luis Enrique? It is certain that he has put in good performances for the club at this position since last season, even more when Paris is dominant on the ball against inferior opponents. However, when facing tougher competition, he has been in tremendous difficulty, due to the fact that it is difficult to defend his right flank.

While it is certain that buying a backup to replace Hakimi is not the best idea, finding a player able to feature at this position on loan for the second part of the current campaign could be the solution. Moreover, a polyvalent prospect could also bring a lot to the injury-plagued squad with the team set to compete in different competitions this season.

Unfortunately, the move for Barcelona's Eric Garcia collapsed with the Spanish international set to extend his contract with the Blaugrana until 2030. With it, the only credible option for a suitable Hakimi backup was gone.