Mirror
By Tom Blow
Morocco manager Vahid Halilhodzic has left Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech out of his squad for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon following a row in September
Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech has been left out of the Morocco squad for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The former Ajax winger was dropped from the national team in September following a row with head coach Vahid Halilhodzic.
And it appears the two parties haven’t made up, with Morocco confirming their squad for the tournament in Cameroon on Thursday.
Ziyech’s omission is good news for Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, who is looking to close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City.
The Blues are currently six points behind Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions after failing to win their last two league fixtures.
Ziyech will now be available for Chelsea’s crucial Premier League games against Liverpool, Man City and Tottenham in January.
He will also be around for both legs of the EFL Cup semi-final against Spurs and the FA Cup tie against non-league Chesterfield.
Halilhodzic accused Ziyech of “unacceptable behaviour” after leaving him out of their World Cup qualifiers against Sudan and Guinea in September.
“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.
“For me, the national team is above everything, nobody can hold it hostage.”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 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…
