Patson Daka withdraws from Zambia squad with ankle injury

Patson Daka has withdrawn from Zambia’s squad for the upcoming international fixtures after suffering an ankle problem, Hamburger SV have confirmed.

The 28-year-old striker will remain in Hamburg during the international break rather than travel for Zambia’s two matches against Burundi. The club did not disclose the full extent of the issue, but the decision gives him an opportunity to receive treatment and work towards recovery.

Daka had only recently returned from a spell on the sidelines caused by a muscle tear in his thigh. He made his comeback in the DFB-Pokal clash against Eintracht Frankfurt before completing the full 90 minutes in Hamburg’s 3-1 Bundesliga victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday.

However, the forward picked up the ankle problem during that win, forcing him to miss Zambia’s forthcoming assignments.

According to Hamburger Morgenpost, Daka is expected to be fit for Hamburg’s next league fixture, the Nordderby against Werder Bremen on November 22.

His absence is a setback for Zambia, who will have to manage without one of their experienced attacking options. Hamburg, meanwhile, will hope the striker makes a swift recovery and is available for the important derby.