Manchester United duo Diallo and Bailly, AC Milan's Kessie make Ivory Coast's Olympics squad

Manchester United stars Amad Diallo, Eric Bailly and AC Milan's Franck Kessie have been included in Ivory Coast's 22-man squad for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Kessie, Bailly and Sivasspor midfielder Max Gradel are the three overaged players selected for the tournament alongside some home-based talents.

Haidara Soualiho announced his final team for the men's football tournament on Friday and they will begin their 10-day camping in Abidjan on Monday before departing for Japan.

Ivory Coast have been paired against Brazil, Germany and Saudi Arabia in Group D.

The West Africans' preparations for the competition was dealt a blow when their friendly fixture against France, initially scheduled for July 8 was cancelled .

However, Soualiho is optimistic of getting the 22 players to give their best as they aim for their first medal in the Olympics event.

"I know what language to use in front of the players to get them to surpass themselves although we have not prepared well," he said. 

The Elephants will begin their Group D campaign against Saudi Arabia at the International Stadium Yokohama on July 22, before taking on Brazil three days later. 

They will conclude their group outings against Germany on July 28. 

Full Squad.

Goalkeepers

Ira Tape Eliezer (FC San Pedro, Ivory Coast), Nagoli Oupoh Maxime (Sol FC, Ivory Coast), Tie Nicolas (Victoria Guimares, Portugal).

Defenders

Kouao Koffi Franck (FC Vzela, PORTUGAL), Ouattara Zie (Victoria Guimares, Portugal), Singo Wilfried (Torino, Italy), Eric Bailly (Manchester United, England), Dabila Kouadio Yves (Mouscron, Belgium), Diallo Chester  (Ajaccio, France), Gnaka Silas (KAS Eupen, Belgium). 

Midfielders

Eboue Christ (Genk, Belgium), Doumbia Idrissa (Sporting, Portugal), Franck Kessie (AC Milan, Italy), Amad Diallo (Manchester United, England), Max Gradel (Sivasspor Turkey), Dao Youssouf (Sparta Praha, Czech Republic). 

Forwards

Timite Cheick (Amiens, France), Kouame Christian (Fiorentina, Italy), Bayo Vakoun (Celtic Glasgow, Scotland), Keita Mory (Ursl Vise, Belgium), Keita Kader (Kvc Westerlo, Belgium), Doumbia Aboubakar Junior (Maccabi Nitanya, Israel).

Consequently, Bailly and Diallo are now doubtful for Manchester United's Premier League opening fixtures with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men scheduled to begin the 2021-22 season with a home game against Leeds United on August 14 followed by a trip to Southampton a week later.