Where is Wilfried Zaha? Why Ivory Coast and Galatasaray star is not at AFCON 2023

Wilfried Zaha will not be playing for his nation in their host tournament as Ivory Coast prepare to try to lift their third Africa Cup of Nations title in 2024.

The 31-year-old, who grew up in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, moved to England at the age of four and represented the Three Lions on two occasions but never featured in a competitive game, allowing him to switch allegiance to represent the Elephants.

Zaha decided to join the Ivory Coast national team in 2016 and has since made 31 appearances, scoring five goals, but he won't be there to help his home country this January.

The Galatasaray player will instead be watching on as Jean-Louis Gasset's men begin their 2023 campaign against Guinea-Bissau in Abidjan on January 13.

So, why is Zaha not at the AFCON? The Sporting News explains the situation regarding the former Manchester United man's international career and future.

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Zaha was left out of the 27-man Ivory Coast squad, which seems rather bemusing given he has been a vital player for Galatasaray since making the move from Crystal Palace last summer.

The winger has scored six Super Lig goals this season and even netted in the Champions League at Old Trafford against his former club. 

But that wasn't enough for head coach Gasset to select him, despite including him in the 54-man preselected squad list. 

"It was a very difficult decision to take but we already have an exciting squad that boasts of many right wingers. It's a pure coach's decision," Gasset said.

"I tried to favour sports and group life. I have had discussions with people like [former France manager] Aime Jacquet, [current France boss] Didier Deschamps, and [France Women and former Ivory Coast coach] Herve Renard, who