Carlos Baleba could miss Cameroon’s forthcoming African Nations Cup qualifying matches against Namibia after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for Manchester United.
The midfielder was forced off in the 51st minute of Manchester United’s 3-2 Champions League comeback win over AS Roma on Tuesday, holding the back of his thigh as he left the pitch.
The result was a significant boost for manager Michael Carrick, whose position is under pressure, as Manchester United overturned a 2-0 deficit. But Baleba’s injury has raised concerns in both England and Cameroon, with fears that he could be facing an extended period on the sidelines.
Baleba had only recently been recovering from an ankle problem sustained before his move to Manchester United in the summer. The latest injury could now prevent him from returning to international duty this month, when Cameroon are due to face Namibia in the CAN 2027 qualifiers.
The length of his absence will depend on the severity of the hamstring problem. A grade-one injury would be the least serious outcome and could allow him to return within a few days.
A grade-two injury would involve a partial tear to the muscle or tendon. That would require at least three weeks out, with recovery potentially taking up to six weeks.
The most serious possibility would be a grade-three injury, which could mean a minimum recovery period of eight weeks.
Baleba’s lengthy Cameroon absence
Baleba has not played for Cameroon since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the start of the year.
Head coach David Pagou selected a changed squad in March, while Cameroon did not play any matches in June. Baleba was then unavailable in September, meaning he remained absent from the national team.
Last week, however, Pagou included the midfielder in his squad for Cameroon’s meetings with Namibia. The games form part of the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for CAN 2027 and had been expected to mark Baleba’s return to the Indomitable Lions.
A withdrawal in November would mean Baleba had gone a full year without playing for Cameroon. If that happens, he would not be able to return to international action before March 2027.
