The Southampton player had been included in Morocco’s 23-man squad for the tournament, which begins on 14th January, but he has since had to withdraw.



Boufal has returned to Saints, where he will undergo his recovery, with Puel hoping he could be fit in a few weeks.



"Sofiane Boufal has a knee injury, and he cannot go to the Africa Cup,” said the manager. "He will stay with us to recover.



"I hope he can come back in three weeks. It’s not a serious injury, it’s inflammation of his knee, but he cannot play and he cannot play for his country.



"It’s just an inflammation. It’s not a bad injury, but it’s important to be careful about this injury.



"It’s a good thing he can stay quiet, because I think he is an important player, who can make the difference with his quality."