Togo captain Djené Diakonam has returned to training with the national team less than two days before their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi.
The 34-year-old central defender took part in training on Wednesday after being absent from the squad since Monday, easing concerns over his availability for Friday’s match at Kégué.
Diakonam had been an injury doubt after being forced off during Getafe’s 1-0 La Liga victory over Malaga on Sunday.
The defender was substituted in the 65th minute after picking up an injury, leaving his fitness for Togo’s opening qualifier uncertain.
However, Diakonam appeared to be in good physical condition during the training session organised by Togo coach Patrice Neveu on Wednesday.
His return gives the Sparrowhawks a boost as they prepare to begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Diakonam is an important figure for the Togolese national team and wears the captain’s armband.
His absence from training since Monday had raised concerns over whether he would be fit in time to face Burundi.
The defender’s return does not completely settle the situation, with the results of his medical tests still awaited, but his participation in Wednesday’s session has reduced the uncertainty surrounding his availability.
Togo face Burundi at Kégué on Friday in their opening Group fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Sparrowhawks will then travel to Zimbabwe, where they are scheduled to face Zambia in Harare on 29 September.
The back-to-back qualifiers mean Togo will have little time between the two matches, making the fitness of key players such as Diakonam particularly important to the team’s preparations.
For now, the captain’s return to training provides a positive development for Neveu and his squad as they prepare for their first competitive assignment on the road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
