Afcon 2021: Ziyech left out of Morocco squad

Chelsea forward Hakim Ziyech has not been recalled to Morocco’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations next month.

The 28-year-old missed all six of his country’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers this year.

He has not played for the Atlas Lions since a friendly against Burkina Faso in July.

Wolves centre-back Romain Saiss is included by Vahid Halilhodozic, as are Watford duo Adam Masina and Imran Louza, and QPR midfielder Ilias Chair.

Paris St-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi is also in the squad.

Morocco are in Group C alongside Ghana, Comoros and Gabon for the tournament in Cameroon, which begins on 9 January and lasts until 6 February.

Ajax defender Noussair Mazraoui is absent and, along with Ziyech, his omission comes after reports the former club-mates have fallen out with Halilhodzic.

Ziyech’s availability in the new year will be a boost for Chelsea, who are chasing the Premier League title and take on Tottenham in a two-legged League Cup semi-final either side of an FA Cup third-round tie against non-league Chesterfield on 8 January.

The west London club are also set to play in the Fifa Club World Cup in February.