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Crystal Palace prepare to lose Wilfried Zaha to the Africa Cup of Nations

Crystal Palace are preparing to lose Wilfried Zaha in January for up to five weeks after the winger switched allegiance to the Ivory Coast.

Zaha grew wary of being repeatedly overlooked by England despite strong form and made the decision to play for the country of his birth.

The 24-year-old met with Augustin Sidy Diallo, president of the Ivorian Football Federation, and the team's manager Michel Dussuyer before opting to turn his back on England.

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha switched his allegiance to the Ivory Coast on Sunday
Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha switched his allegiance to the Ivory Coast on Sunday
Zaha could now miss up to five weeks of club football if he goes to the Africa Cup of Nations
Zaha could now miss up to five weeks of club football if he goes to the Africa Cup of Nations

Zaha was born in Abidjan but moved to south London with his family at four-years-old.