Morocco will have to play without Ziyech in the next year’s continental tournament.
Since his fallout with Morocco head coach Vahid Halilhodzic, Hakim Ziyech has not received any national team call-ups. The Chelsea winger is among the best African players of the Premier League. However, he is set to miss out on the next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
According to Moroccan outlet Al Ahdath Al Maghribia (via Le360), Ziyech will not participate in the upcoming tournament. The Morocco boss believes the 28-year-old is not physically fit to play in the adverse climate of Cameroon. However, many observers believe Ziyech’s lack of national team minutes is a result of his muddy relationship with the manager.
Ziyech has struggled for game time at Chelsea this season. The Blues’ midfield is crowded with top-quality players, with the Moroccan slipping down the pecking order. However, the Moroccan has rarely failed to deliver whenever has started for Chelsea.
The former Ajax winger displayed an incredible performance during Chelsea’s 4-0 thrashing of Juventus on Tuesday. According to FBRef, Ziyech made 21 pressing actions during the match, the most of any Chelsea player.
Ziyech will have the chance to play again for Chelsea as they face Manchester United in a league game on Sunday. The Blues will then face Watford in their next match three days later.
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