Mamelodi Sundowns striker Abubeker Nasir has been ruled out of Ethiopia’s friendlies against Sudan due to an injury.
Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) spokesperson Abraham Gebremariam has confirmed the development to FARPost.
Gebremariam said Nasir is unavailable for Ethiopia’s Walias matches scheduled for September 23 and 26 in Addis Ababa.
“He reportedly injured and already missed the last few games at Sundowns,” Gebremariam said.
DOUBLE CALL-UP FOR NASIR
He said Nasir also received a call-up to Ethiopia Under 23, but he is doubtful for the team’s version of AFCON qualifiers.
“I don’t think he will feature in the game against DR Congo,” Gebremariam said.
Nasir has hit the ground running at Sundowns after scoring three league goals.
However, the Ethiopian international’s progress has been hampered by injuries.
Nasir signed for Sundowns from Ethiopian Coffee a few months ago.
He earlier underwent trials successfully following his glowing performances for Ethiopia.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia coach Webetu Abate has called up 23 players for the matches against Sudan scheduled for Abebe Bikila Stadium.
The squad was expected to regroup at Bole Jupiter Hotel on Tuesday before starting training.
Ethiopia are preparing for the forthcoming 2023 AFCON qualifiers from their group D comprising Guinea and Malawi.
CONTRACT EXTENSION
Meanwhile, EFF has extended coach Abate’s contract by two more years until 2024.
“After taking over our national team in 2020, coach Abate, who has been on the job for the past two years, our national team returned to the Africa Cup of Nations after eight years,” EFF statement reads.
He has earned the contract renewal following his outstanding performance since 2020 when he signed a two-year contract.
Abate steered the Walias to the 2021 AFCON finals in Cameroon.
He has also replicated that feat by steering Ethiopia to the CHAN finals.
Ethiopia are also giving themselves a strong push for qualification to the 2023 AFCON finals in Ivory Coast.
The Walias started the 2023 AFCON race with a 2-1 loss to Malawi but bounced back to beat Egypt 2-1.
