The youngster has 27 caps for Tunisia but has not made the cut (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United youngster Hannibal Mejbri has surprisingly been left out of Tunisia’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations so he can secure a January loan move.
The 20-year-old has been in and around the first-team squad this season, largely due to the club’s continuing injury crisis, and has racked up five appearances in the Premier League and another two in the Champions League.
He was expected to depart for next month’s Afcon tournament, having been a regular in the Tunisia squad for the past two years.
Yet, despite already racking up 27 caps, Hannibal was a shock absentee from Tunisia’s squad when it was announced on Thursday.
The former Monaco midfielder is believed to have withdrawn from selection himself, rather than be axed, as he feels he is entering a crucial junction in his career – both at Old Trafford and in general.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Hannibal has chosen to prioritise securing a loan move when the window opens over representing his country.
Although he has been given sporadic opportunities by Erik ten Hag this season, the looming return of the likes of Casemiro and Mason Mount will limit his opportunities once again.
Hannibal was left out of Tunisia’s Afcon squad (Picture: Getty)
But he has a number of promising loan offers that would secure him regular, top-flight football – something he is desperate for and believes he needs to continue developing.
La Liga side Sevilla, French giants Lyon – who are in a relegation battle in Ligue 1 – and German outfit Freiburg all want to sign him next month.
However, all three need him to be available across January and February, something that would not be possible if Tunisia have a deep run at the Africa Cup of Nations.
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Hannibal has therefore been left out of the squad while he assesses his loan options and decides which club he will join for the second half of the campaign.
United are happy with Hannibal’s development so far but feel regular football is now needed, and he is expected to extend his contract with the club before going out on loan.
Hannibal played most recently in United’s thrilling, come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Aston Villa on Boxing Day, coming off the bench in the final minute of normal time and producing a busy and tenacious cameo that helped see out the win.
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