Reading FC could be without midfielder Andy Rinohmota for up to a month after he was called up to represent Zimbabwe at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
The 28-year-old Royals academy graduate will be part of the Warriors’ squad as they prepare to compete in the continent’s premier international tournament, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, December 21.
Rinomhota, who returned to Reading in November after a three-year spell with Cardiff City, was included in the 28-man squad selected by head coach Mario Marinică. Zimbabwe are drawn in Group B alongside Egypt, Angola and South Africa.
The midfielder’s international career has steadily grown since making his Zimbabwe debut in 2023. He featured in all six of Zimbabwe’s AFCON qualifying matches and was instrumental in helping the Warriors secure their place at the tournament, earning nine points in the group stage.
Since returning to Reading on a deal until the end of the season, Rinomhota has managed just five minutes on the pitch having often been left on the bench by manager Leam Richardson.
Zimbabwe’s campaign begins on 22 December against seven-time champions Egypt, a high-profile fixture that pits Rinomhota and his teammates against some of Africa’s biggest stars, including Mo Salah.
