Real Madrid will soon lose versatile attacker for an extended period – here’s why | OneFootball

Brahim Diaz has two weeks remaining at Real Madrid before he will be forced to pack his bags and leave the Spanish capital.

This is not necessarily because Real Madrid are planning the versatile attacker’s transfer in the upcoming January transfer window.

The player himself is also not planning to leave Real Madrid either. Rather, the reason for Brahim’s absence will be the African Cup of Nations, which starts December 21.

Real Madrid to lose Brahim soon

As reported by Defensa Central, FIFA has announced that clubs across the world will have to release their African players participating in the African Cup of Nations by December 15.

That means Brahim Diaz only has ten days left before he joins the Morocco camp for the coveted tournament that starts on December 21.

Although Morocco has yet to announce their final squad for the tournament, Brahim, as one of the star players, is more than likely to be included.

Brahim Diaz will represent Morocco in the African Cup of Nations. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Provided Morocco go all the way to the final, the former Manchester City starlet could miss up to a month or so of action with Real Madrid, given that the African Cup of Nations will conclude on January 18.

That means Brahim will be available for Real Madrid in the next three matches, with the December 14 clash with Alaves likely to be his last one.

After that, the Moroccan international is set to miss matches against the likes of Sevilla, Real Betis, and Atletico Madrid (Spanish Super Cup). He may also miss the Levante game if Morocco do reach the final.

In between, he would also miss the Copa del Rey Round of 32 clash and a potential Round of 16 encounter as well.

Diaz’s month-long absence, though, won’t make much of a difference to Real Madrid, especially now that Franco Mastantuono is nearing full fitness.

The Argentine was an unused substitute for Real Madrid in the last couple of matches. But he is expected to return to the pitch sooner rather than later.