Achraf Hakimi confirmed ready for Morocco's home Africa Cup of Nations campaign

Morocco's skipper and standout performer Achraf Hakimi is in form and prepared for the home team's Africa Cup of Nations effort, although he could be held back from the starting lineup in the opening fixture, manager Walid Regragui announced on Saturday.

"I will make the call tomorrow, but he has already gone above and beyond. That injury was tough," Regragui shared with journalists in Rabat, ahead of Morocco's kick-off against underdogs Comoros on Sunday.

"I have one more night to rest on it and choose if he leads the team or if we take it easy with him and assess the rest of the fixtures.

"He can take the field from the outset, yet he may not do so."

The Paris Saint-Germain defender on the right, Hakimi, recognised as the top African footballer of the year, has been sidelined since suffering a left ankle problem during a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on November 4.

The 27 year old departed the pitch in distress that evening, obviously worried about missing out on the Cup of Nations action. Medical checks revealed a significant sprain.

"I am feeling strong. I am sticking to the recovery plan outlined by the medical team and the manager," stated Hakimi on Saturday. He also placed sixth in the latest Ballon d'Or standings.

Regragui continued: "Over the past four or five weeks, he has pushed himself in ways others could not, inspiring the squad and the support crew alike.

"The recovery strategy we implemented post injury has proven highly effective, and now we must handle the full tournament ahead."

In Group A, Morocco will also meet Mali and Zambia while aiming for their first Africa Cup of Nations title since 1976.

The event stretches into the new year, concluding with the title match in Rabat on January 18.