Watford midfielder Edo Kayembe is returning from AFCON preparations with DR Congo due to injury.
The Athletic has been told by a senior source in the DR Congo camp, who wanted to remain anonymous, that Kayembe sustained an injury in his final game before leaving for the tournament against Plymouth, a 3-3 draw in the Championship in which he scored on New Year’s Day.
His withdrawal from the squad follows assessment by the DR Congo doctors. Arrangements, they say, have now been made for him to return to the UK for further treatment.
At this stage the nature of the injury is unknown. Kayembe started the game Home Park but was replaced by Yaser Asprilla at half time.
After the game he spoke of his pride at going to the tournament for the first time.
DR Congo have called up Las Palmas midfielder Omenuke Mfulu as Kayembe’s replacement.
The tournament starts on Saturday in Ivory Coast and DR Congo will kick-off with their opening game against Zambia on January 17.
The Athletic have contacted Watford for comment, but has not received a reply at time of publication.
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