“It’s a big loss” – National manager gutted injured Burnley player has had to pull out of squad

Angola manager Pedro Gonçalves has confirmed Manuel Benson has been ruled out of tomorrow’s game against Ghana.

The two countries are set to meet in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, but Angola will have to do it without the Burnley winger.

Record have reported on comments Gonçalves has made with regards to updates on his squad, and he said that’ll it be a blow not to have Benson in his team when they face Ghana.

“It’s a big loss, but we have built a capital of confidence with a core of players who are motivated and determined to fight for the points in this qualifying,” said the Angola boss.

Angola are kicking off their qualifiers for next year’s AFCON, and Benson had been seen as a potential star of the campaign. After reaching the quarter finals in 2023 there will be confidence going into tomorrow’s game, but the loss of the Burnley attacker is a big story for the country.

He’ll also be unavailable for the match against Sudan on Monday.

Benson has played just 10 minutes for Burnley this season and will hoping to play a bigger part for Scott Parker’s side now the transfer window drama has come to a close. Unfortunately for him and Angola, he won’t be able to use the international break to play himself into form.