West Brom to be without £7m star for at least three games

One of West Brom's stars is out for at least a month after a Africa Cup of Nations call-up.
Jordan Jones
By Jordan Jones
Published 27th Dec 2023, 15:22 BST
Updated 27th Dec 2023, 16:27 BST
Grady Diangana recovered from an injury at the start of the season. The West Brom star could be missing for at least a month however. (Image: Getty)Grady Diangana recovered from an injury at the start of the season. The West Brom star could be missing for at least a month however. (Image: Getty)
Grady Diangana recovered from an injury at the start of the season. The West Brom star could be missing for at least a month however. (Image: Getty)

West Brom star Grady Diangana has received a call-up by DR Congo for the Africa Cup of Nations. The 25-year-old has been named in the 24-man squad chosen by Sebastien Desabre for the month-long tournament.

Diangana made his debut for his country back in October agaisnt New Zealand. He followed it up with a start against Sudan in 2026 World Cup qualifying, and now has an opportunity to add to his two senior caps. DR Congo have Zambia, Morocco and Tanzania in their group with the games scheduled for January 17, January 21 and January 24.

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The midfielder missed the first month of the season through injury but recovered, and has played a consecutive run of games. He has four goals and four assists in 19 games for the Baggies this term, and is one of West Brom' creative outlets. Diangana was subject of transfer interest from Burnley, Leicester City and Leeds United in the summer, as well as Saudi Arabian clubs according to the Express & Star, and is valued at £7m.

Other English-based players in the squad include Edo Kayembe from Watford, and Brentford striker Yoane Wissa. Centre-back Semi Ajayi, who has 28 caps for Nigeria is another player that could be in contention for the mid-season spectacle. The 30-year-old is currently out of favour under Carlos Corberan, but played for the Super Eagles in their qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in November.

Brandon Thomas-Asante meanwhile has been included in a provisional 55-man Ghana squad by former Birmingham City and Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton. The 24-year-old netted in the Boxing Day win against Norwich City and has eight goals and three assists in 23 games this season, however it would take a lot for him to be named in the squad given the likes of Inaki Wells, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo and Ernest Nuamah.

The games Grady Diangana could miss for West Brom

  • January 13: Blackburn Rovers (H).
  • Janury 20: Norwich City (A).
  • January 27: Plymouth Argyle (A).
  • February 3: Birmingham City (H) - If DR Congo progress to knockouts
  • February 10: Ipswich Town (A - If DR Congo progress to knockouts
Related topics:West BromNew ZealandCarlos CorberanSudanZambiaZimbabweBrentfordWatford

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