The Democratic Republic of Congo is set to be without Axel Tuanzebe for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, as the Ipswich Town defender struggles with injury concerns.
The centre-back was forced off at half-time during his club’s FA Cup match against Nottingham Forest last Monday and is now facing a spell on the sidelines.
Injury woes for Tuanzebe
Tuanzebe’s situation has become increasingly complicated, with Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna confirming that the player is dealing with both a hamstring injury and an ongoing issue with his thumb.
The latter is set to require further surgery, potentially extending his time away from the pitch. Given these setbacks, his participation in the Leopards’ crucial fixtures later this month appears highly unlikely.
The 26-year-old, who previously represented England at youth level before committing to DRC, had been expected to play a key role in the squad.
However, this latest injury raises concerns over his long-term fitness, as he has already struggled with various setbacks since leaving Manchester United.
Defensive concerns for Desabre
Tuanzebe’s likely absence adds to a growing list of defensive worries for head coach Sébastien Desabre.
Gédéon Kalulu is also an injury doubt, leaving the Leopards short of options at the back ahead of their matches against South Sudan and Mauritania.
With these qualifiers crucial for maintaining DRC’s position in the race for a World Cup spot, Desabre may need to call upon reinforcements to stabilise the squad.
One potential replacement is Peter Kioso, the Rotherham United right-back who has previously been in contention for national team selection.
Desabre could also explore other defensive options as he seeks to ensure the team remains competitive despite these setbacks.
Key matches in qualification race
The Leopards currently find themselves in a tightly contested qualification group, making the upcoming fixtures all the more significant.
Any slip-ups could prove costly in their bid to reach the 2026 World Cup, particularly as they face a South Sudan side eager to cause an upset and a Mauritania team with ambitions of their own.
With Tuanzebe’s absence all but confirmed, DRC will need to rely on their remaining defensive core to navigate these matches successfully.
The coming days will be crucial as Desabre finalises his squad and determines the best way forward in the absence of one of his key defenders.
