Overview
- The Benin federation confirmed Andréas Hountondji will not take part in the Africa Cup of Nations due to his injury.
- He suffered a left‑thigh muscle issue in late November at Bayern and was substituted in the 19th minute.
- Coach Alexander Blessin said Hountondji made the call after consulting the federation, prioritizing long‑term fitness.
- He has resumed individual work, has not rejoined full training, and reached about 33 km/h in monitored runs.
- Blessin indicated he is very unlikely to face Heidenheim, with a potential return viewed earliest for the Mainz fixture.