In what’ll come as no surprise to Manchester United supporters, Andre Onana has been included in Cameroon’s squad for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
The tournament kicks off on January 13 in Abidjan and is set to conclude with the final on February 11. It was originally scheduled to take place in June-July earlier this year, but the prospect of disruptive rain in the host nation Ivory Coast meant that it was pushed back to the beginning of 2024.
Liste des Lions Indomptables sélectionnés pour la CAN 2023.#WECANMAKEIT | #CANTOTALENERGIES2023 | #CMRMAU | #GOLIONS | #ALLEZLESLIONS | #LETSROARTOGETHER | #INDOMPTABLES | pic.twitter.com/Pdtm1IURXd
— Les Lions Indomptables Officiel (@LIndomptables) December 28, 2023
Aside from Onana, United could be without Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco), Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia) and Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), with the latter yet to feature for his club or country this season due to a long-term layoff with a knee injury.
Bayindir to fill role between the sticks in Onana’s absence
Erik ten Hag will be able to navigate the absences of the outfield trio fairly easily – barring any further injuries to the midfield or frontline. However, the manager has opted against awarding second-choice Altay Bayindir his debut since he signed on deadline day in the summer, meaning the goalkeeper will now be thrown into the deep end for the time Onana is away.
Bayindir, 25, could feature in as many as four Premier League matches; Tottenham Hotspur (H), Wolverhampton Wanderers (A), West Ham United (H) and Aston Villa (A).
