FASHION SAKALA has pulled out of the Zambia squad through injury.

The Rangers striker has withdrawn from international duty to continue his rehabilitation.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst had confirmed the forward was suffering an injury knock with a muscle problem.

But Sakala was still included in the Zambia squad for a friendly against Israel.

However, he's not out of the match and focusing on his recovery at Rangers.

National team medic Dr Wesley Ngongo revealed the forward would not feature against Israel and instead work on his rehab at his club.

And it's a similar story for Ayr United defender Frankie Musonda who has also withdrawn with an injury problem.

As quoted by the Daily Record, Dr Ngongo said: “Basically all the players called into camp managed to report and are all in good health and ready to participate in the game against Israel. 

“However two players, Fashion Sakala and Frankie Musonda haven’t been able to report to camp.

“But after further consultations with medical staff from their respective clubs it was found that they are both injured as a result they will not be able to participate in the upcoming games.

"We have been in discussions with both the players and their medical staff and together it was decided that the best course of action was for them to complete their rehabilitation at their respective clubs.”

Meanwhile, Brian Laudrup has defended his comments on Giovanni van Bronckhorst's body language after the Dutchman branded the remarks "stupid".

He wrote in his Daily Mail column: "Last week, I spoke about Van Bronckhorst's body language, his whole demeanour, really and whether it looked as though he truly believed he could turn things around in terms of recent performances and results.

"I know he responded to me with some comments of his own. He was perfectly entitled to do so. I have no problem with that at all.

"But I stand by what I said. Because the point I was trying to make was about the impression it gave to others. Including players."

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