Patson Daka, Lameck Banda and Gamphani Lungu have been ruled out of Zambia’s back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Burundi due to injury.

The trio have been withdrawn from George Lwandamina’s Chipolopolo squad after medical assessments established that their recovery periods would extend beyond seven days.

Daka, who plays for German side Hamburger SV, Banda of Libyan club Al Swehly SC and Orlando Pirates forward Lungu have been replaced by Edward Chilufya, Derrick Bulaya and Prince Mumba, respectively.

Team doctor George Magwende confirmed that all three players would miss both encounters, adding that their respective clubs had been in contact with the Chipolopolo medical department regarding their conditions.

Daka sustained a right ankle injury during Hamburger SV’s 3-1 Bundesliga victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach on 6 November.

“Patson Daka suffered a right ankle injury which he sustained during Hamburg SV’s 3-1 win over Monchengladbach on 6 November. The ultrasound revealed he had a mild strain that will requirements about 7-10 days to recover,” Magwende said.

Banda picked up a left hamstring injury while on club duty and is expected to spend at least two weeks on the sidelines, while Lungu sustained a right ankle sprain that could keep him out for between 14 and 21 days.

Their withdrawals add to Zambia’s growing injury concerns, with Kingstone Mutandwa, Ackim Mumba and Jackson Phiri also unavailable for the two fixtures.

Zambia will host Burundi at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 CAT, before travelling to Bujumbura for the return fixture four days later.

Tickets for Friday’s encounter are available at Shoprite outlets through Computicket, with prices set at K50 for the North and South stands, K100 for the East stand, K250 for the West stand and K500 for VIP seating.