NAIROBI, May 23 (Xinhua) -- It's been announced that Kenya's Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama will miss two friendly matches against Swaziland and Equatorial Guinea.
Wanyama, who plays for English Premier League side Tottenham, is in Nairobi on holiday and says he needs to rest his legs before returning to action.
Speaking on Wednesday, Wanyama said he has endured a tough season having come late from injury and will not risk unnecessary injury by pushing his body beyond its limit.
"My club has discussed with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) over my request to rest and I believe the new coach (Sebastien Migne) will understand. I need to rest because my knee has not completely healed. I have spoken to the coach about it," said Wanyama.
With Kenya not going to Russia, Wanyama had agreed to take up a new role as a brand ambassador for Sports broadcasting channel DSTV for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The Harambee Stars are set to play on Friday against Swaziland and on Monday they host Equatorial Guinea in two international friendlies that will offer coach Migne the perfect ground to gauge the players at his disposal ahead of their Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Ghana in Nairobi in September.
Migne will also miss the service of Gor Mahia's striker George Odhiambo, who is out with an illness.
"Only George Odhiambo did not make it because he is ailing but the rest of the team is doing well in training," said Barry Otieno, the FKF communication director.
Swaziland are expected in Nairobi on Thursday while Equatorial Guinea will land on Sunday. The other foreign-based players are expected to link up with the team within the week.
