The Democratic Republic of Congo have been forced to alter their World Cup squad just two days after announcing it, following an injury to Rocky Bushiri. The Hibernian centre-back has been replaced by Kilmarnock midfielder Aaron Tshibola.

Coach Sébastien Desabre had initially named his 26-man squad on Monday, but Bushiri was later withdrawn after sustaining an injury in his most recent club appearance.

In a statement, the Congolese Football Federation confirmed the change.

“The Congolese Football Federation Association confirms the withdrawal of Rocky Bushiri from the 2026 World Cup, following an injury sustained during his last match with his club,” it read.

“The technical staff has called up Aaron Tshibola, player for Kilmarnock FC, as a replacement.”

Tshibola, who plays in Scotland with Kilmarnock, now joins the squad as DR Congo adjust their plans ahead of the tournament.

London-born Aaron Tshibola, who previously played for Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, is a former England youth international who made his senior debut for DR Congo in 2018 before not featuring again for another five years.

The midfielder now has 16 international caps and was part of the DR Congo squad that finished fourth at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. However, he missed the most recent continental tournament in Morocco.

DR Congo will compete in Group K at the World Cup, where they face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in a challenging group stage campaign.

The country, formerly known as Zaire, last appeared at the World Cup in West Germany in 1974, where they lost all three group matches, including a heavy 9-0 defeat to Yugoslavia.

Revised DR Congo squad

Goalkeepers: Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liège), Timothy Fayulu (Noah), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre)

Defenders: Dylan Batubinsika (Larissa), Gedion Kalulu (Aris Limassol), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Łódź), Joris Kayembe (Genk), Arthur Masuaku (Lens), Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United)

Midfielders: Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Brian Cipenga (Castellón), Meshack Elia (Alanyaspor), Gaël Kakuta (Larissa), Edo Kayembe (Watford), Nathanael Mbuku (Montpellier), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland), Aaron Tshibola (Kilmarnock)

Forwards: Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis), Simon Banza (Al Jazira), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United)