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Andre Onana could miss up to seven games for Manchester United during the Africa Cup of Nations after deciding to make an international comeback for Cameroon.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper quit the national team after he was sent home from the World Cup in December following a fall-out with coach Rigobert Song.
Last week Onana was named in the Cameroon squad for the upcoming AFCON Group C qualifier against Burundi, but it was unclear if he would bury the hatchet with Song and accept the invitation.
If Cameroon qualify for the tournament in Ivory Coast in January and February and reach the final stages, Onana could miss an extended number of games.
Andre Onana could miss up to seven Manchester United matches on international duty
Goalkeeper Onana has confirmed he will return to the fold with Cameroon for the AFCON
The news will come as a blow to Erik ten Hag, who is braced to lose his first-choice stopper
United have four Premier League matches against Tottenham, Wolves, West Ham and Aston Villa. Onana could also miss the two-legged Carabao Cup semi-finals if the holders reach the last four again, as well as the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The first Champions League last 16 ties are scheduled for the week after the AFCON final.
United signed Onana for £47.2million from Inter Milan this summer and also brought in Altay Bayindir from Fenerbahce as back-up. Manager Erik ten Hag will have Tom Heaton available when he recovers from injury.
United’s on-loan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is already set to miss a number of games after Morocco qualified for the tournament.
Writing on social media, Onana said: ‘In the world of football, as in life, decisive moments arise that require crucial choices to be made.
‘In recent months, I have been confronted with trials marked by injustice and manipulation. Yet my unshakeable love and attachment to my homeland, Cameroon, remain intact.
Onana has made an instant impact at Old Trafford after signing from Inter Milan for £47.2m
Sofyan Amrabat, who joined United on deadline day, will also travel to next year’s AFCON
‘My desire to represent my country has never wavered since my youth, and this aspiration remains an inseparable part of my identity. Nothing and no one can shake this conviction.
‘I answer my nation’s call with unshakeable certainty, aware that my return is not only to honour my dream, but also to respond to the expectations and support of Cameroonians, who deserve a national team determined to shine.
‘In the face of manipulation, lies and abuse of power, I choose to remain true to my ideals, proudly representing a country that deserves our sincere commitment. Now is the time to unite, to work in harmony for our common good: Cameroon.
‘I would like to salute the government, which is working hard to build a better Cameroon for all. My thoughts are with the people of Cameroon, to whom I offer my infinite thanks for their support, and whom I look forward to seeing again.
‘Time, the infallible judge of all things, will eventually enlighten us and reveal the rightness of our actions. My commitment to Cameroon remains unwavering, and I am determined to play my part in seeing it prosper.’
