Manchester United and Cameroon have reached an amicable agreement which will allow Andre Onana to feature against Tottenham Hotspur before heading to the Africa Cup of Nations, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.
The Indomitable Lions kick off their AFCON campaign against Guinea on January 15, and they wanted the 27-year-old to report to camp early.
However, Man United want him available when they take on Spurs on January 14, and both sides have been able to work something out.
While most players participating in the tournament have started reporting for duty, Onana will join his international teammates later and will also be available for selection when the Red Devils play Wigan Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup on January 8.
It comes as a huge boost for Man United, and he may end up not missing any club games if Cameroon fail to advance from the group stage.
They have been drawn alongside Senegal, Guinea and Gambia in Group C, and with their last group game taking place on January 23, Onana could be available for selection for Man United for their potential FA Cup fourth-round tie on January 27, provided they defeat Wigan.
However, if Cameroon make progress in the competition, the former Inter Milan star could also miss Man United’s next Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on February 1.
West Ham United are next on February 4 before a trip to Aston Villa on February 11 – the same day as the AFCON final – so Onana may not miss many games if Cameroon go all the way.
Altay Bayindir is expected to finally make his Man United debut in his absence, and playing him against Wigan could be the best way to prepare him ahead of a run of Premier League games if Onana becomes unavailable.
Veteran goalie Tom Heaton is also an option for manager Erik ten Hag, and the Red Devils are unlikely to be dealt a significant blow as a result of the Cameroon international’s potential unavailability.
