December 28 2016

Wilfried Zaha

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha will be going to the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast.

Zaha, 24, has been named in the provisional squad for the tournament in Gabon, which starts on January 14, and could miss Palace's season up till early February.

The Ivory Coast-born player did play two matches as a substitute for England against against Sweden in November 2012 and Scotland the year after but was able to switch allegiance as they were friendlies.

He has been snubbed by Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate, who selected the out-of-form Andros Townsend instead, despite sparkling for the Eagles this season.

Palace have confirmed Zaha will link up with his new international teammates after their match at home to Swansea City.

His absence comes as a blow to new Eagles boss Sam Allardyce who will be without Palace's most consistent performer this season as the team bids to get out of relegation danger.

Other notable players selected by the Ivory Coast include: Man United defender Eric Bailly, Stoke striker Wilfried Bony, Bournemouth winger Max Gradel, Sunderland defender Lamine Kone and Aston Villa forward Jonathan Kodjia.