Yousuf Mulumbu

DR Congo’s assistant coach Otis Ngoma is ‘surprsied’ that West Brom star Youssouf Mulumbu withdrew from their squad via a text message.

The midfielder and Baggies’ player-of-the-year sent a text to Congolese officials to claim he was injured and would not join the squad for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritius on 5 June.

DR Congo did not reveal what Mulumbu’s injury was, but having ended a self-imposed year-long exile from the national side only two months ago, he faces the wrath of officials because he must get the clearance off the team doctor before he can withdraw.

“We were awaiting Europe-based players at a location when the director got a message from Mulumbu informing him that he was not available to join his team-mates for the flight to Mauritius, as he was injured,” Ngoma said.

“We were surprised to hear that because according to Caf (Confederation of African Football) and FIFA rules a player should get the clearance of the national team’s doctor.”