The Democratic Republic of Congo have dropped their two Premier League players from the squad for friendly internationals this month but handed a first call-up to a former England under-21 international.

Congo coach Sébastien Desabre announced his list of 26 players for friendly internationals against New Zealand in Murcia, Spain on October 13 and Angola in Lisbon, Portugal four days later.

The matches are in preparation for November’s kick off of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, plus the Africa Cup of Nations finals in the Ivory Coast in January.

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Grady Diangana, who won caps at both under-20 and under-21 level for England but as he was born in Lubumbashi is able to switch his international allegiance, is included in the squad but out go Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu (Luton Town) and Yoane Wissa of Brentford.

Mpanzu’s omission comes despite his club manager Rob Edwards hailing it as ‘fitting’ that the history-making midfielder was on the pitch for the entire 90 minutes as Luton earned their first ever Premier League victory courtesy of a 2-1 success at Everton on Saturday.

The 29-year-old has already achieved a feat no other has after moving to Kenilworth Road back in December 2013 when the Hatters were in the Conference, is the only player to go through the divisions from non-league to the top flight with the same club.

Wissa also played in the Premier League on Sunday as Brentford drew at Nottingham Forest.

The former French junior international goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud, who is the back up a Ligue 1 club Montpellier, is also in the squad, while the other new face in the squad is right back Brian Bayeye, who was born in Paris but now plays for Ascoli in Serie B.

Back from injury is the English-born midfielder Aaron Tshibola as well as Joris Kayembe and the striker Ben Malonga

Squad

Goalkeepers: Dimitry Bertaud (Montpellioer, France), Lionel Mpasi (Rodez, France), Baggio Siadi (TP Mazembe)

Defenders: Dylan Batubinsika (St Etienne, France), Brian Bayeye (Ascoli, Italy), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian, Scotland), Henock Inonga (Simba, Tanzania), Gédéon Kalulu (Lorient, France), Joris Kayembe (Racing Genk), Arthur Masuaku (Besiktas, Turkey), Chancel Mbemba (Olympique de Marseille, France)

Midfielders: Chadrac Akolo (St Gallen, Switzerland), William Balikwisha (Standard Liege, Belgium), Gaël Kakuta (Amiens, France), Edo Kayembe (Watford, England), Samuel Moutoussamy (Nantes, France), Charles Pickel (Cremonese, Italy), Aaron Tshibola (Hatta, United Arab Emirates)

Forwards: Cédric Bakambu (Galatasaray, Turkjey), Théo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow, Russia), Grady Diangana (West Bromwich Albion), Meschack Elia (Young Boys Berne, Switzerland), Silas Katompa (VfB Stuttgart, Germany), Ben Malango (Qatar SC< Qartar) Fiston Mayele (Pyramids, Egypt), Jackson Muleka (Besiktas, Turkey).