Sevilla are attempting to pressure striker Youssef En-Nesyri into postponing his pre-Africa Cup of Nations arrival to the Morocco squad, according to reports in Spain.
Spanish newspaper AS claims Sevilla manager Jorge Sampaoli hopes to retain the 25-year-old for a January 4th La Liga clash against Athletic Bilbao.
However, En-Nesyri seems certain to be named in Morocco boss Walid Regragui’s AFCON selection on Thursday ahead of the tournament starting on January 13th.
Sampaoli recognises losing En-Nesyri for a month will significantly impact Sevilla’s domestic ambitions, with the Andalusian club currently seventh in La Liga.
But as Morocco’s first-choice centre-forward and a key attacking weapon, Regragui will expect his number nine’s timely arrival for pre-tournament preparations.
En-Nesyri, who joined Sevilla from Leganes in January 2020, endured a frustrating World Cup featuring only 45 minutes of action.
Yet his impressive goal record for Morocco means Regragui sees the tall frontman leading their quest for AFCON glory.
It remains unclear if Sevilla can successfully delay En-Nesyri temporarily staying put before reluctantly releasing him afterwards.
However, attempting to prevent the striker immediately joining fellow Atlas Lions risks irking Moroccan supporters excited by the team’s potential.
Having reached the World Cup semi-finals, Morocco now target adding to their sole AFCON crown from 1976 in Ivory Coast.
