Andre Onana NAMED in the Cameroon squad for the Africa Cup of Nations with second-choice Altay Bayindir to be given a chance for Man United
- Onana has been included in the Cameroon squad for the Africa Cup of Nations
- The goalkeeper had an argument with the manager and Samuel Eto'o at the World Cup last year
- Ian Ladyman reveals the most boring manager he has dealt with during his career – It all starts
Manchester United could be without Andre Onana for four Premier League games after the uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeper's international status became clear on Thursday.
Cameroon have called up Onana for the Africa Cup of Nations after months of doubt over his availability for the tournament.
The 27-year-old retired from international football after being sent home after last year's World Cup following arguments with FA president Samuel Eto'o and manager Rigobert Song.
Onana made a shock return to help Cameroon qualify for AFCON in September and will be part of the team that travels to Ivory Coast for their group stage matches, which start on January 15.
United are expected to request a postponement of Onana's release, but he is unlikely to face Tottenham at Old Trafford on January 14, just 24 hours before Cameroon face Guinea in the opening match.
Andre Onana has been included in the Cameroon squad for the Africa Cup of Nations
It comes a year after he was dropped from Rigobert Song's (left) World Cup squad in 2022
Onana's absence will give number two Altay Bayindir the chance to prove why he should start
The former Ajax goalkeeper is expected to be available for next week's FA Cup tie against Wigan Athletic, but that will likely be seen as an opportunity for substitute Altay Bayindir.
Bayindir, a summer signing from Fenerbahce for £4 million, is yet to make his debut for United and will be given the chance to stake his claim after continued doubts over Onana's form.
Manager Erik ten Hag received positive news as Lisandro Martinez closed in after returning from a broken metatarsal suffered at Bayern Munich in September.
The AFCON comes at the worst time for Onana's club career, following his struggles for United
“Honestly, I'm really good,” Martinez said. 'My rehabilitation is going great, in the way I want, I feel strong.
'We have to be patient. I know I will be back very soon. It takes time.'
Defender Martinez, who has made just six appearances since April, added: “It's tough, so tough, especially when you've had two injuries for almost six to seven months. But I feel strong in my head. There are no excuses.'
