Eric Bailly will not play a part in Ivory Coast clash with Morocco in the final match day of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers slated for Abidjan on November 11.
The Manchester United defender is facing suspension from two yellow cards – a blow for the Elephants who must fetch a win to topple the Atlas Lions from the summit of Group C in order to qualify.
Morocco currently boast of 9 points while Ivory Coast have 8. A draw would be enough for the North Africans to make it to their fifth World Cup tournament.
Former Barcelona target Jean Michael Seri of French side Nice and Swansea City forward Wilfried Bony have been ruled out due to injuries.
However, Ivory Coast welcome back Crystal Palace man Wilfried Zaha and Max-Alain Gradel, both of whom were sidelined in previous matches.
Initially announced doubtful for the Abidjan meeting, winger Gervinho and Jonathan Kodjia of Aston Villa have been passed fit, according to Ivory Coast coach Marc Wilmots.
Wilmots’ future with the Elephants could be decided by the outcome of the game. The Belgian manager is facing criticisms from fans and the local media following the team’s ‘unsatisfactory’ campaign so far in the qualifications of the 2018 Fifa World Cup and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Morocco are leaving no stone unturned to record a favourable result against Ivory Coast. The Kingdom is planning to fly 8000 supporters to Abidjan to cheer up their team.
