Manchester United faces a new setback as defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka contemplates potentially missing a month of the ongoing season.
The 25-year-old right-back, yet to make his senior debut for England ahead of Euro 2024, has attracted interest from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo).
The DR Congo is eager to include Wan-Bissaka in their Africa Cup of Nations squad next year.
According to reports from The Athletic, Wan-Bissaka is seriously considering this opportunity. While no decision has been made yet, Red Devils’ manager Erik ten Hag is likely hoping that his key first-team player decides against the offer.
The concern arises from the potential absence of Wan-Bissaka for a month during the tournament scheduled between January 13 and February 11 next year.
Wan-Bissaka has represented England at the Under-20 and Under-21 levels, but due to his Congolese roots, he has also played for DR Congo in his youth.
This decision comes at a crucial juncture in his career, with uncertainties surrounding his future at Old Trafford as his contract expires at the end of the 2023/24 season. While United holds the option to extend his deal by 12 months, the player has faced injury challenges this season.
Having started the first four Premier League games of the season, Wan-Bissaka sustained a hamstring injury and was subsequently omitted from the squad against Luton in the recent fixture.
Despite his injury struggles, he remains a valuable asset providing squad depth and competition for Diogo Dalot. His potential absence would be a significant loss for the Old Trafford side.
This situation compounds the challenges for Ten Hag, who already dealt with goalkeeper Andre Onana’s unexpected decision to end his international retirement and represent Cameroon in the Afcon.
Onana’s participation in the winter tournament remains uncertain, adding another twist to Ten Hag’s plans after signing him in the summer for £43.9 million.