Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has put his international playing future in doubt by rejecting a call-up for the Ivory Coast national team for this month's 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
The 28-year-old has five goals in 21 appearances for the Elephants since making his debut in 2017, but returned home from the last international break in October with an illness that ruled him out of Palace's Premier League match against Arsenal.
Ivory Coast coach Patrice Beaumelle cited this as one of the reasons given to him by Zaha for not wanting to be made available for the next squad, with games coming up against Mozambique and Cameroon.
"A few days ago, Zaha sent me a message to say that every time he comes (on international duty), he returns home sick," said Beaumelle.
"He asked me not to be called in November because he wants to reflect about his international future.
"I want soldiers, warriors who even with one knee on the ground will come to the selection. It is a message that I send loud and clear to each player."
If Zaha does decide to hang up his international boots it would mean he would be available for the Eagles during the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, which runs from January 9 to February 6 next year.
That would mean he wouldn't miss Premier League matches against West Ham, Brighton or Liverpool, and could also be available for the Eagles' third-round FA Cup tie.
Crystal Palace also have Cheikhou Kouyate (Senegal), Jordan Ayew and Jeffrey Schlupp (both Ghana) potentially heading to AFCON already.
