Wilfried Zaha, Nicolas Pepe and Eric Bailly are among the Premier League players included in Ivory Coast’s provisional 28-player squad for the Africa Cup of Nations next month.

AC Milan’s Franck Kessie, Ajax striker Sebastien Haller, ex-Tottenham defender Serge Aurier, Wolves centre-back Willy Boly and Burnley attacker Maxwel Cornet have also been called up.

In addition to those under contract at clubs in Turkey, Switzerland, France, Germany, Belgium, China and Qatar, a handful of African-based players are in the squad – including all four goalkeepers.

AFCON squads in 2022 are capped at 26 players, larger than usual, meaning only two from the group will need to be cut before the tournament is due to begin on 9 January.

Manchester United youngster Amad Diallo is a notable omission from the group, having made his senior international debut for Les Elephants earlier this year.

i