Cameroonian forward Bryan Mbeumo, who plays for Manchester United, has not joined the Indomitable Lions in Sydney, where he was expected for a medical check-up ahead of the FIFA Series. According to Thierry Ndoh, the team's press officer, Mbeumo was expected at Kingsford Smith International Airport but did not show up, contrary to the initial schedule.
This absence complicates the plans of coach David Pagou, just days before the friendly matches against Australia on March 27 in Sydney and against China on March 31 in Melbourne. Mbeumo is an important attacking asset for Cameroon.
The situation raises questions, as Mbeumo played in a Premier League match with Manchester United against Bournemouth (2-2) and showed no signs of injury. His substitution in the 71st minute was not related to an apparent physical problem, which made the announcement of his unavailability surprising. The Lions' staff has therefore requested a medical assessment to understand the situation.
Manchester United has confirmed that Bryan Mbeumo has withdrawn from international duty with Cameroon as a precaution, after being substituted in the match against Bournemouth. The club stated that Mbeumo will focus on his recovery during the international break.
This withdrawal brings the number of players absent for this gathering in Australia to two, from an initial list of 27 called up. In addition to Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko has also been withdrawn from the Slovenian squad due to injury.
Mbeumo joined Manchester United in July 2025 after playing for Brentford. A Cameroonian international, he scored his first goal for Manchester United in a League Cup match against Grimsby Town. He was also named Premier League Player of the Month in October 2025.
Cameroon will face Australia on March 27 and China on March 31 as part of the FIFA Series. These matches are important for preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
