Talented Mozambican striker Pablo Bechardas has reportedly excused himself from the under-20 national team squad due to injury.

The Portugal-based player was included in the squad which coach Dario Montario named ahead of the Cosafa Championship scheduled for South Africa from December 3 to 13 2020.

However, in a statement, Pablo says he suffered a muscle injury last month and is recovering in Portugal.

Pablo plays for National Club of Madeira in Portugal.

“Pablo Bechardas thanks the technical team for their confidence, and hopes to be able to make his contribution to the country as soon as possible.

“The player sends a motivation message to the group in hope that this represents the country with dignity and patriotic sense, and can get positive results in the scheduled competition for South Africa,” reads a statement from the player.

The 18-year-old was on the books of Maputo giants, Costa do Sol, before clinching the transfer to the Portuguese club.

At the Cosafa Championship, Mozambique are in the same group with Zimbabwe, Lesotho and South Africa.

COSAFA Men’s U20 Championship draw:

Group A
South Africa
Mozambique
Zimbabwe
Lesotho

Group B
Zambia
Malawi
Namibia
Comoros Islands

Group C
Angola
Eswatini
Botswana