Paris Saint-Germain faces a difficult period following the injury of its iconic captain, Marquinhos. The 31-year-old Brazilian central defender suffered a left quadriceps injury and will be unavailable for several weeks, depriving the capital club of its defensive leader for upcoming matches, including the highly anticipated Champions League clash against FC Barcelona. This medical announcement confirms the premature end of his immediate presence on the field, requiring a tactical adjustment by Luis Enrique.
In response to this situation, PSG has appointed an interim captain for the next few weeks. Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan full-back, has been chosen to wear the armband, a strong sign of the trust placed in this player who has become an indispensable pillar in the Parisian locker room. Hakimi, who was runner-up to Marquinhos in the annual captain election among players, embodies continuity and stability within the group, reinforcing his role as a natural leader.
This promotion highlights the strategic role Hakimi plays at PSG. Over several seasons, he has established himself as a key player both through his performances on the pitch and his positive influence within the team. His experience and determination make him the logical choice to lead a locker room affected by many absences, including those of Joao Neves, Désiré Doué, and Ousmane Dembélé, who are also injured.
Marquinhos’s prolonged absence, confirmed by the club, occurs amid a broader context of injuries hampering the Parisian squad since the season’s start. The intense workload, combined with limited physical preparation before the restart, appears to have taken a heavy toll on the team. It remains to be seen how Lukaku and his teammates will cope with this setback in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, with the support of Hakimi, now honored with the role of interim captain.