Man United´s Diallo withdraws from Ivory Coast squad

Manchester United’s Amad Diallo has withdrawn from the Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Sierra Leone due to illness.

Diallo, who has made six appearances for his country, has since returned to Manchester ahead of the Red Devils’ upcoming Premier League fixture against Brentford.

The 22-year-old earned his first cap for the Elephants in 2021, and was recalled to Emerse Fae’s group after a 15-month absence in June for wins over Zambia and Chad.

Ivory Coast know that two wins against the Leone Stars will seal their progression to the tournament, which takes place in Morocco at the end of next year.

A statement by the Elephants read, “The Ivorian Football Federation informs the Press and the public that the player, Amad DIALLO, arrived in group on Monday October 7, 2024, as part of the 3rd and 4th Days of the CAN qualifiers Morocco 2025, is declared forfeit for health reasons.”

Diallo is the latest player within Erik ten Hag’s ranks to withdraw from international duty with their respective nations.

Argentina’s Alejandro Garnacho, England’s Kobbie Mainoo and Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui are the other players left out as a precaution.

Diallo has made 10 appearances for United this season in all competitions, scoring once in his side’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton at the start of the 2024-25 campaign.

However, he has yet to fully nail down a starting berth, with Ten Hag so far rotating his wide options with Garnacho and Marcus Rashford.

@AmadDiallo_19 has withdrawn from Ivory Coast’s upcoming internationals.#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 9, 2024