Hakim Ziyech left OUT of Morocco's AFCON squad after complete breakdown in relationship with boss Vahid Halilhodzic, who previously accused Chelsea star of 'holding the team hostage' by 'showing up late and refusing to play'

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Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech has sensationally been left out of Morocco's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. 

The playmaker is his country's most talented player but will not be involved in the tournament after a complete breakdown in his relationship with coach Vahid Halilhodzic.

Ziyech previously infuriated Halilhodzic by refusing to play in a game against Ghana, saying he was injured despite the medical team passing him as fit to take part. 

Hakim Ziyech has been left out of the Morocco squad for the Africa Cup of Nations 

The Chelsea star is regarded as the most talented player from Morocco but was omitted 

Ziyech's relationship with the boss is broken and he was accused of 'holding the team hostage' 

He is also accused of turning up late and flatly objecting to calls to train with Morocco and those trust issues have seen him omitted from the AFCON squad. 

The competition kicks off on January 9 and Morocco announced their squad on social media on Thursday. 

Ziyech was previously left out of the international squad back in September and reacted by posting a laughter emoji on his Instagram story. 

The manager told the New Arab at the time: 'His behaviour in the last two matches, especially the last one, was not that of a national team player who as a leader in the team has to be positive role model. 

'He arrived late and after that he even refused to work. There was no point in discussing it afterwards, as a coach the answer is right there to see.

The news will come as a boost to Thomas Tuchel, who will have Ziyech at his disposal 

Ziyech posted a bemused 'laughing emoji' on his Instagram after he was previously axed but Morocco boss Vahid Halilhodzic then opened up on why he had been left out 

'For me, the national team is above everything, nobody can hold it hostage.' 

On a separate occasion, he said: 'For the first time in my coaching career, I saw a national team player who doesn't want to train and claims to be injured, although tests have shown he can play.

'I won't tolerate it. Not this behaviour as long as I coach Morocco.'

Ziyech responded on Instagram, saying: 'Next time when you speak SPEAK THE TRUTH THEN...!'

Ziyech has played 10 times in the Premier League this season and scored just one goal 

Former Morocco coach Herve Renard also had issues with Ziyech's attitude and left him out of the squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations finals. 

He was later recalled to the squad after almost 12 months on the sidelines having held a 'clear the air' meeting in Amsterdam.

Ziyech has played 10 Premier League games this season so far for Chelsea, scoring one goal and providing two assists in total.