Injury blow for DR Congo after Théo Bongonda ruled out until September

DR Congo winger Théo Bongonda has sustained an injury and will be out of action for at least three months. The Spartak Moscow attacker injured his Achilles tendon during a friendly game between DR Congo and Mali in France during the June FIFA window.

Bongonda was forced out of the match in the 31st minute due to the injury. His Russian club later assessed the extent of the injury, and it has been reported that Bongonda will be sidelined for three months. The Leopards are set to return to action in September for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying, and the 29-year-old Belgium-born winger could miss the crucial ties against South Sudan and Senegal.

🐆 Le beau BUT de Théo Bongonda face au Soudan du Sud avant la mi-temps pic.twitter.com/cpkcUbQx4W

— MMC 243 (@MMCrdc243) March 21, 2025

Bongonda scored two goals and provided one assist in the World Cup qualifiers, and coach Sébastien Desabre considers him a key player in the national squad.