Carlos Baleba switch chase takes twist as Man Utd goal suffers AFCON blow
Carlos Baleba was forced off injured at half-time of Cameroon’s opening Africa Cup of Nations game against Gabon, with the midfielder replaced by Jean Onana
Carlos Baleba was forced off at the interval during Cameroon’s opening Africa Cup of Nations fixture against Gabon. The Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder began the match operating behind Manchester United striker Bryan Mbeumo. The latter provided the assist for Karl Etta Eyong’s strike in their 1-0 triumph.
Baleba was unable to emerge for the second period after picking up what looked to be an injury shortly before half-time. The 21-year-old received medical attention during the first-half added time and was withdrawn for Jean Onana at the break. Early substitutions have become a familiar story for Baleba this campaign.
The player has seen out the full 90 minutes on just two occasions for Brighton, with the latest of those coming at the beginning of November.
He picked up a knee problem over the summer and battled fitness issues during the opening weeks of this season. Throughout that period, United’s pursuit of the player became common knowledge.
A transfer failed to come to fruition before the deadline, despite Baleba reportedly being eager to make the switch to Old Trafford. Brighton’s rumoured £100million valuation proved too steep for United.
Nevertheless, there’s a feeling they will return with fresh attempts in future transfer windows. Any January move could now depend on how serious this injury is that saw Baleba withdrawn in Agadir.
The player, meanwhile, will be hoping it’s not significant enough to affect his participation in Morocco this winter. Baleba said ahead of the tournament: “I believe in our players.
“We go to play the AFCON, and I think we’re going to do well. Playing for Cameroon, for me, it’s big, because I want to win something with my country.
“It’s a pleasure to play for my country. I want to win the AFCON and World Cup with my country!”.
“I’ve become a big leader, but there are a lot of leaders in the group. There are a lot of leaders like Bryan Mbeumo.
“But everyone, we’re going to stay together and play, and maybe we can give all of ourselves to our country. But the first thing is to believe in our team.”
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler said in October about the player stepping up after a move to United fell through. He stated: “The noise is over. He can’t change it.
“He is a Brighton player and, no matter what the rumours are, he will be a Brighton player for the whole season or until the end of the season. Now he has to take responsibility.”
