Spanish giants FC Barcelona have reportedly asked Morocco U-23 captain Abde Ezzalzouli not to feature in their second Group A game against Ghana at the ongoing Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.
The 21-year-old attacker, who scored twice against Guinea in the Group A opener, has been told by FC Barcelona to discontinue the tournament.
According to a report filed by Spanish tabloid Diario Sport, FC Barcelona have contacted the hugely talented winger to exempt himself from the ongoing tourney due to Xavi's decision to include him in the squad list for the 2023/24 pre-season scheduled for next month.
FC Barcelona reached out to the Moroccan international to withdraw from the game against Ghana to avoid injury ahead of the club's pre-season per the reports emerging from Spain.
It is believed that the reigning Spanish La Liga champions are considering the sale of Abde Ezzalzouli this summer despite being in the plans of Xavi for next season and he is valued at €35 million.
Ezzalzouli spent last season on loan at CA Osasuna where he scored six goals and provided two assists in 34 matches across all competitions.
Morocco will be facing Ghana in the second Group A match of the ongoing 2023 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
A victory in tomorrow's game will see either Ghana or Morocco a semi-final spot at the tournament which serves as a qualifier for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
