Ivory Coast defender Adama Traore has been ruled out of the 2019 Afcon qualifying matches against the Central African Republic (CAR) due to injury.
Traore lasted just 17 minutes in a league match against Kasimpasa last Friday, before limping off after rupturing his knee ligaments.
According to the BBC, Angers right-back Abdoulaye Bamba has been called in to replace Traore.
Traore is expected to return to full fitness in April next year.
“Adama Traore suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture and faces a six months rehabilitation process,” announced Goztepe on their official website.
Ivory Coast coach Ibrahim Kamara is also grappling with the unavailability of red-hot Parma striker Gervinho, who unfortunately picked up an injury.
Monaco midfielder Jean-Eudes Aholou is the notable absentee from the Ivorian squad, while Crystal Palace forward Wilfred Zaha returns after missing the 2-1 win over Rwanda away last month due to personal reasons.
The Ivorian Elephants are in second place in Group H behind leaders Guinea who enjoy a 100 percent record with two wins.
They first host CAR on Friday, before playing the same side away in Bangui four days later.
Valencia midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia is expected to make his debut for CAR after recently switching international allegiance from France.
