West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku is returning early from international duty with the DR Congo as an injury precaution.
The versatile left-back - who has earned eight senior caps since switching his allegiance from France in 2017 - was called up to Christian Nsengi-Biembe's squad for matches against Burkina Faso on Friday night (October 9) and Morocco next Tuesday (October 13).
However, Masuaku will play no part in either friendly after sustaining a minor knee injury.
After assessment by DR Congo's medical staff, the 26-year-old has been permitted to return to West Ham, where the issue will be further examined ahead of the Premier League London derby against Tottenham on October 18.
Masuaku's club fortunes have picked up of late, with David Moyes' switch to a three-man defence offering the chance to impress as a left wing-back in back-to-back top-flight wins over Wolves and Leicester.
He has started four of West Ham's seven matches across all competitions so far this term and made 97 appearances in total for the club since joining from Greek giants Olympiacos in a £6million deal back in 2016.
Last July, Masuaku signed a new contract that will keep him at London Stadium until the summer of 2024.
