The Gambia’s preparations for the September Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers have been hit by injury concerns involving key attacking players Yankuba Minteh and Musa Barrow.
Minteh, who plays for English Premier League side Brighton, is recovering from an ankle injury and could reportedly remain sidelined until November.
If confirmed, the recovery timeline would rule the 20-year-old winger out of The Gambia’s September encounters against Somalia, depriving the Scorpions of one of their leading attacking threats.
Experienced forward Musa Barrow is also facing an injury concern after being forced off while playing for Saudi Pro League club Neom SC.
Barrow started the league match but was substituted in the 62nd minute during Neom SC’s 3-0 defeat.
The injuries come at a difficult time for The Gambia as the national team prepares for an important stage of its AFCON qualifying campaign.
Both Minteh and Barrow have been influential figures in the Scorpions’ attack, providing pace, creativity and goalscoring ability.
Head coach and supporters will now await further medical assessments to determine the extent of the injuries and the players’ availability for the September international window.
The possible absence of both players would present a significant challenge for the Scorpions, although the team will be expected to maintain its focus as it prepares for the qualifiers.