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Rabat – Moroccan footballer Selim Amallah could end up missing Morocco’s January training camp, as his club Valencia wants to have him available for their game against Villarreal, according to the Spanish sports daily Mundo Deportivo.
The match is set to take place on January 2, which coincides with the Atlas Lions’ first training camp ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be held in Cote d’Ivoire.
The Spanish outlet reported that Valencia has been in contact with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) to obtain permission to retain Amallah’s services during the 2024 match against Villarreal.
With only a few weeks to go before the long-awaited African competition, the Spanish club’s decision could disrupt plans put together by head coach Walid Regragui.
Morocco’s national team players are expected to be present at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in 11 days before the start of the competition to start preparations.
Morocco’s first group stage match will take place at the San Pedro stadium in Cote d’Ivoire against Tanzania on January 17.
The Atlas Lions are in the tournament’s Group F, alongside Tanzania, DR Congo, and Zambia.
Morocco is one of the favorites to win or rank highly in the continental tournament, especially after their historic showing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
European clubs have long struggled with the fact of their African players leaving in the middle of the season during years when the AFCON takes place.
European teams, particularly ones in the Premier League, will have to deal with the absence of stars such as Mohammed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, and Nayef Aguerd.
Read also: CAF Unveils Morocco’s Provisional AFCON 2023 Squad List
