Patson Daka will be on his way back to Leicester City after Zambia were knocked at the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Patson Daka started up front for Wednesday’s clash against World Cup semi-finalists Morocco.
Both sides entered the contest having drawn their opening group-stage matches. Zambia knew a loss would see them exit the competition.
And Morocco would defeat Daka’s side as Hakim Ziyech’s 37th-minute goal proved to be the difference.
Although it’s a big blow to the striker, who scored and assisted in the tournament, it’s a huge boost to Enzo Maresca, who can welcome him back into his Leicester City squad.
Patson Daka was on fire before AFCON
For most of the campaign, Daka was rarely given a chance to impress Maresca as the Italian preferred Kelechi Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy.
Injuries to that duo as well as Tom Cannon presented the striker with an opportunity to impress as the main man, and he didn’t disappoint.
Daka didn’t make his first Championship start till mid-December as his side trounced Plymouth Argyle 4-0 and the 25-year-old scored and assisted on the day.
He then followed that up with three goals and one assist in his next five matches as the Foxes recorded four victories over the festive period.
Through his tireless pressing, exceptional movement and deadly finishing, Daka helped Leicester establish a huge gap between them and second-place Ipswich at the top of the table.
Maresca will hope the Zambian marksman can return to the squad and pick up where he left off before AFCON.
Enzo Maresca has a striker dilemma
Daka getting knocked out of AFCON has coincided with the return of striker Vardy from injury.
The recently turned 37-year-old endured a long spell on the sidelines but came on as a second-half substitute in Monday night’s 1-1 draw against Ipswich.
After having just Cannon as his only striking option for the past few weeks, Maresca will be back to three options for the next few games.
With Kelechi Iheanacho progressing through to the knockout stages with Nigeria, Leicester will have to wait a while longer for his return, but a dilemma still presents the Italian.
Although Cannon hasn’t been as prolific as Daka or Vardy, netting just twice in the Championship, he’s still made a solid account of himself as a lone striker.
However, if Maresca’s Zambian star instantly rediscovers his purple patch of form, the 21-year-old could be at risk of losing his starting spot.