Anthony Musaba withdraws from DRC squad after injury

DR Congo have been dealt a late setback ahead of their two friendly matches against Uganda after Norwich City forward Anthony Musaba withdrew from the squad because of injury.

Musaba was expected to travel to Zimbabwe before joining the Leopards as they prepare for the two fixtures, which will be played in South Africa.

His withdrawal means the Congolese coaching staff will have to make adjustments to their attacking plans.

The Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) confirmed that Musaba would not be available after the winger picked up an injury while playing for his club.

The federation did not provide further details about the nature of the injury but confirmed that the player would miss the upcoming international fixtures. FECOFA and the Leopards’ technical staff also sent their best wishes to Musaba as he begins his recovery.

Musaba’s absence is a significant change to the plans for the Uganda friendlies, with the Norwich City player having been expected to provide another attacking option on the wings.

The 25-year-old was set to add pace and attacking threat to the Congolese side, but his late withdrawal leaves the coaching staff with less time to prepare for his absence.

The Leopards will now have to work with the players who remain in camp as they prepare for the two matches against Uganda.

The coaching team is expected to reassess its attacking options and consider how best to replace Musaba’s contribution from the wide areas.

His withdrawal comes at an inconvenient stage of the preparations, with the team already planning for the two matches in South Africa.

The two friendlies against Uganda will give DR Congo an opportunity to assess their squad, but Musaba will now watch from outside the group as he focuses on recovering from his club injury.

For the Leopards, attention now turns to making the most of the players available and finding an alternative approach in attack following the late change to their squad.

Musaba’s absence leaves the coaching staff with another selection issue to resolve before the first meeting with Uganda.