Explained: Why Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana is missing Cameroon's AFCON opener against Guinea

The goalkeeper featured in Manchester United's Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday which ended in a 2-2 draw and immediately jetted off to report for national team duty. But his arrival at Yamoussoukro was delayed after poor weather conditions forced the flight to take a detour and land in Abidjan, according to The Athletic. Onana's delayed arrival forced manager Rigobert Song to omit him from the matchday squad of their AFCON opener.

The 27-year-old had informed the Indomitable Lions beforehand that he would take the field against Spurs on Sunday and join the squad less than 24 hours before their tournament opener. The decision was even approved by Cameroon FA chief Samuel Eto'o. In the United star's absence, Fabric Ondoa has been included in the team's starting lineup against Guinea.

There is a possibility that the former Inter custodian might not miss even a single domestic game for Premier League giants if Cameroon fail to progress beyond the group stage. Their final group game will be on January 23 which means that the player will be back at his club before their next fixture which is an FA Cup fourth-round clash on January 28.

Erik ten Hag's side are set to face the winner of the replay between Newport County and Eastleigh in the FA Cup before facing Wolves in the Premier League on February 1.