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Yannick Bolasie pulls out of Democratic Republic of Congo squad

PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images

Aston Villa new boy Yannick Bolasie is the headline withdrawal from the Democratic Republic of Congo squad to face Liberia in this weekend's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The wideman is one of four players set to miss the match in Monrovia as he continues to find his way back to full fitness.

29-year-old Bolasie moved to Villa Park from Everton on loan on August 25, but is yet to make his Championship debut for the Villains.

According to a statement on the Congolese Football Federation's website, Bolasie misses out along with Neeskens Kebano of Fulham and Guingamp's Jordan Ikoko, both of whom are also battling injuries.

Also concerning for coach Florent Ibenge is the loss of Ley Matampi, with the goalkeeper set to sit out Sunday's qualifier as he cannot be available until 48 hours before the match due to prior engagements with his new club Al-Ansar.

Joel Kassumbua of Servette has been named as Matampi's replacement.

The Leopards are already without star forward Cedric Bakambu, who seemingly misses out due to an administrative error with his passport, while Gael Kakuta, Chancel Mbemba and Marcel Tisserand are all absent.

The DRC are currently second in Group G, trailing Zimbabwe on goal difference, after beating rivals Congo-Brazzaville in their opener.