Due to an injury sustained two weeks ago, Zambian international winger Lameck Banda is unlikely to play in Chipolopolo’s next friendly match this month.

Banda sustained a hamstring injury and missed Lecce’s last three matches against Genoa, Juventus, and Napoli.

He told Bolanews in an exclusive interview last week that the injury “was not bad.”

Banda was optimistic about returning to action after “two to three weeks.”

“It was not something bad; it was a hamstring injury… But I think I will be out maybe for three or two weeks, but it’s not something serious,” he said.

Lecce is expecting the rapid winger to return to action after the international break as he continues with his individual training.

With the international break starting next week, Banda may not be part of Avram Grant’s next squad.

The 22-year-old has played four Serie A matches this season, providing two assists.

In the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Banda played six games and scored two goals against Lesotho.

Zambia’s friendly match against the Pharaohs of Egypt is scheduled for next week on October 12, according to the Egyptian Football Association.

However, the Football Association of Zambia(FAZ) has yet to confirm the friendly.

When reached for a comment, FAZ secretary-general Reuben Kamanga said the association will confirm later.

The Chipolopolo Boys are preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers set to start in November.

Zambia is placed in Group E alongside Morocco, Congo Brazzaville, Tanzania, Niger, and Eritrea. 

They will kick off their campaign on November 13 against Congo Brazzaville at home.