Charlton Athletic's Macauley Bonne is set to make his competitive debut for Zimbabwe
England-based Macauley Bonne has been forced to withdraw from Zimbabwe's 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on "medical grounds."
It comes just three days after the Charlton player received his Zimbabwean passport clearing him to play in competitive games.
"Unfortunately and reluctantly, I am unable to travel due to unforeseen medical grounds which is a huge frustration to me, as it will be to the people of Zimbabwe," he published on Twitter.
"The messages of support via social media are much appreciated and although I cannot reply to every message, I do take every one to heart.
"I'd like to wish the entire Zimbabwe team the very best of luck in the coming game(s)."
Bonne had been hoping to play in the Warriors upcoming Nations Cup games against Botswana on 15 November and then in Zambia four days later.
The 24-year-old along with Adam Chicksen, who was not included in the latest Zimbabwe squad, were both issued with Zimbabwe passports on Friday.
They had both played friendlies for Zimbabwe but their new passports mean they can now play competitive games.
Bonne has scored five goals in nine games for Championship side Charlton this season, having moved from Conference side Leyton Orient on a three-year contract.
He was ready to play for the Warriors at the Nations Cup in Egypt this year, but there were delays in processing his documents.
Left-back Chicksen, 28, is on a short-term loan with third-tier Bolton Wanderers.
On Friday team official Wellington Mpandare told BBC Sport that two more players will get passports in the coming days.
Jordan Zemura of the Bournemouth under-21 squad, and Cliff Moyo, who plays for Kidderminster Harriers in the English sixth-tier.
Moyo has been included in the squad for the Botswana and Zambia qualifiers.
The Zimbabwe Football Association has over the past three years been focusing on attracting players from outside the country who have Zimbabwean roots and who could commit to the Warriors.
At the Nations Cup in Egypt, the team included Tendayi Darikwa of Nottingham Forest and Wales-based defender Alec Mudimu, who decided to represent Zimbabwe.
Source: bbc.com