Valencia has reportedly initiated communication with the Moroccan national team regarding one of its players ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, set to kick off in Ivory Coast between January 13 and February 11, 2024.
According to Spanish outlet “Mundo Deportivo,” Valencia aims to retain the services of midfielder Slim Amlach during their clash against Villarreal on January 2.
This request comes amid Morocco’s pre-tournament training camp for AFCON.
Valencia is scheduled to face Villarreal in a crucial encounter, and they are keen on securing Slim Amlach’s availability.
The club has reached out to Moroccan national team officials seeking permission to retain the player for this specific match.
The reported communication reveals Valencia’s eagerness to keep Slim Amlach in their lineup during the Villarreal match, despite the midfielder being part of the Moroccan squad gearing up for the continental championship.
The match coincides with Morocco’s training camp as they prepare for the AFCON.
Morocco, under the guidance of coach Walid Regragui, is expected to assemble the national squad around 11 days before the commencement of the tournament to ensure thorough preparations.
Valencia is hopeful that the Moroccan national team will grant approval for their request, even though such a decision might pose a challenge for the plans of Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui in orchestrating his squad’s preparations for AFCON.This scenario exemplifies the intricate dynamics between club commitments and national team duties, particularly when major tournaments loom on the horizon.
