Cameroon call up Ryan Fosso after Carlos Baleba withdraws

Cameroon have selected Ryan Fosso to replace Carlos Baleba for their double-header against Namibia after the Manchester United midfielder was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Fosso, 24, has been drafted into David Pagou’s squad after Baleba was forced to withdraw from the latest international gathering. The Standard de Liege midfielder had already featured for the Lions Indomptables during the previous international window.

Born in Lugano, in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, Fosso developed in the Swiss football system before moving to Belgium this summer. He is a box-to-box midfielder, capable of covering significant ground and adding intensity in midfield, qualities which appear to have impressed Pagou, who gave him his first opportunity at international level.

However, Fosso arrives without the same level of experience or status as Baleba. He has started only one match for Standard de Liege this season and is not yet an undisputed regular in the Belgian side.

His limited playing time could prove a concern for Cameroon, who are already without one of their leading midfield talents as they prepare to face Namibia.

Fosso made his international debut against Australia on 27 March. He came on during Cameroon’s 3-1 victory over Comoros in September and then started alongside Arthur Avom and David Nyengue in the 1-1 draw with Congo.

Baleba’s withdrawal is another setback for the 22-year-old, whose return to the national team had been eagerly anticipated. He has not played for Cameroon since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, held at the start of the year.

The midfielder was left out of the squad for the March international window and subsequently withdrew in September. He will now have to wait at least until March 2027 for another chance to return to the national team.

Baleba was injured during Manchester United’s Champions League match against AS Roma on Tuesday. He left the pitch in the 51st minute of the 3-2 victory after suffering a hamstring problem.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick later admitted that the initial signs were not encouraging, although he was unable to give a timescale for Baleba’s recovery.

The absence could last for more than a year by the time Baleba is next available for Cameroon. In the meantime, Pagou will need to find alternative ways to maintain balance in midfield against Namibia.