Why Etienne Amenyido Will Not Play Against Egypt

African superstar Etienne Amenyido will not play for Togo against Egypt on Saturday in 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying because of a lingering ankle injury.

The 22-year-old defender was hurt against Verl last month and despite making several subsequent appearances for VfL Osnabrück is suffering from slight discomfort in his left ankle.

Togolese media reported that after Amenyido played against Jahn Regensburg in Bundesliga 2 match on Sunday, national squad medical staff ruled him out of the Group G clash.

He will also miss the return leg fixture against Togo that will be played next Tuesday at Stade de Kegue in Lome.

The absence of former Germany U-19 international Amenyido is a major blow as Togo relies heavily on him in marshalling its defence.

Togo missed the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt and are currently on the bottom of the Group G table as they were held to 1-1 draw by Kenya and lost 1-0 to Comoros.

The two finishers after a six-round mini-league qualify for the 24-nation finals in Cameroon.

Togo 23-man squad:

Goalkeepers: Abotchi Dove (JDR Stars FC – South Africa), Abdoul Moubarak Aigba (AS OTR – Togo), Malcolm Barcola (Olympique Lyon B – France)

Defenders: Klousseh Agbozo (Olympique Beja – Tunisia), Ama Tchoutchoui Kangnivi (Gbohloe-Su, Togo), Atte Youssifou (West African Football Academy – Ghana), Bessile Loic (Bordeaux Girondins FC B – France), Djene Dakonam (Getafe CF – Spain), Gbegnon – A Simon (Dinamo Tbilisi – Georgia), Lawson Steve (Livingston FC (Scotland)

Midfielders: Atchou Franco (BK Fremad Amager – Denmark), Ayite Floyd (Genclerbirligi Ankara – Turkey), Bebou Ihlas (Hoffenheim – Germany), Nyavedji Elom (FK Zeta Golubovac – Montenegro), Seko Serge (CS Chebba – Tunisia), Tchakei Marouf (ASKO Kara – Togo)

Strikers: Denkey Kevin (Nîmes Olympique – france), Doke Josue (West African Football Academy – Ghana), Dossevi Matthieu (Denizlispor – Turkey), Henen David (Grenoble Foot – France), Laba Kodjo Fo-Doh (Al-Ain FC – UAE), Mlapa Peniel (Al Ittihad Kalba – UAE), Sunu Gilles (LB Châteauroux – France)