PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Mario Lemina - Gabon star to miss World Cup qualifier

Manchester United's Marouane Fellani (L) and Southampton's Mario Lemina in action during the English Premier League soccer match between Southampton FC and Manchester United at Saint Mary's Stadium in Southampton, Britain, 23 September 2017.

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Tuesday Nov 07, 2017. 16:00

The Gabonese international, who is currently out nursing an injured, looks set to miss Gabon's last 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Nicknamed the Panthers, Gabon have already failed to qualify for next year's finals after after recording one win, two draws and two defeats in Group C.

Lemina has missed his club, Southampton FC's last two English Premier League (EPL) matches due to an ankle injury.

According to Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino, the 24-year-old midfielder will only start training after the current FIFA international break.

"Mario continues his treatment," Pellegrino was quoted on Sky Sports as saying.

"I would expect after the international break maybe Mario can train with the team."

Lemina has been a regular during Gabon's qualifying campaign having featured in all of their five Group C matches.

The match between Gabon and Mali will take place at the Stade de Franceville in Franceville on Saturday, 11 November 2017.