Hakim Ziyech will continue playing for Chelsea during the upcoming tournament.
Morocco boss Vahid Halilhodzic announced his squad for this January’s Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday. The manager left Hakim Ziyech out of his squad, who is one of the key players of his team.
Following a row with Ziyech in September, Halilhodzic has excluded the Chelsea star from his squad. Moroccan sources had previously reported around the manager’s decision to omit Ziyech. But now Chelsea can be sure they will have their winger during AFCON.
Chelsea are looking to close their six-point gap with Manchester City on top of the table. The Blues have suffered a Covid outbreak, and having a full squad will be crucial for Thomas Tuchel.
The German boss will have Ziyech at his disposal for Chelsea’s matches against Liverpool, Man City, and Tottenham in January.
Speaking about Ziyech in September, Halilhodzic explained his decision to omit the Chelsea star from his squad.
“His behaviour in the last two matches, especially the last one, was not that of a national team player who as a leader in the team has to be a positive role model,” said the manager (via Mirror).
“He arrived late and after that, he even refused to work. There was no point in discussing it afterwards, as a coach the answer is right there to see.
“For me, the national team is above everything, nobody can hold it hostage.
“For the first time in my coaching career, I have seen behaviour that disappoints me. A player who refuses to play a game, admittedly a friendly, on the pretext that he is injured.
“The medical staff made several examinations and said he could play. He then refused to warm up in the second half because he was disappointed to be a substitute.
“For me, that type of behaviour is unacceptable. You can’t cheat with the national team. You are 100 per cent there or you are not.”
Ziyech then responded with a message on his Instagram account.
“Next time when you speak, SPEAK THE TRUTH THEN!” wrote the Chelsea star.
Following their Carabao Cup win against Brentford, Chelsea will meet Aston Villa in their next league match on Sunday.
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