Anass Zaroury will miss Burnley's trip to QPR when the Championship season resumes after Morocco booked their place in the last 16 of the World Cup.
The Clarets starlet received his maiden call up on the eve of the tournament having opted to switch nationalities. The winger has represented Belgium at Under-21 level but, when Morocco came calling after injury to Amine Harit shortly before the World Cup got under way, Zaroury opted to represent the Atlas Lions.
He made his debut against Georgia in a pre-tournament friendly but has yet to get on the pitch in Qatar. Morocco have enjoyed a dream tournament, holding 2018 runners-up Croatia to a draw in their opener before stunning Belgium and overcoming Canada to secure a spot in the knockout stages as group winners.
READ MORE: Inside Burnley star Anass Zaroury's rise
They will now play the runner-up from Group E, which is likely to be Germany or Japan on Tuesday, December 6. Burnley return to Championship action against QPR on Sunday, December 11, in a Sky Sports televised contest and Zaroury isn't likely to be involved for the Clarets even if Morocco are knocked out.
Burnley are giving their World Cup players a few days off following the tournament and Zaroury would almost certainly not return in time to be in contention for the Loftus Road game. Indeed, he could have been involved in a World Cup quarter final the day before should Morocco continue their progress.
Connor Roberts is in contention to play against QPR with Wales knocked out on Tuesday. The Welsh squad flew back on Wednesday and the right back will resume training ahead of the trip to the capital.
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