Harambee Stars has been hit by a huge blow after key defender Brian Mandela picked a knee injury in training.

The Maritzburg United man hobbled off in training on Monday and now coach Sebastien Migne has confirmed that the former Tusker FC man is out of AFCON.

“Brian got injured today in training. He is one of our key players and will not be available for AFCON. We will need to find a solution,” Migne told the federation website.

Zambia based Musa Mohamed is also injured and will not feature in Stars friendly match against DRC in Madrid on Saturday.

“It is not good for us and for him as well. Musa Mohamed also picked up a knock (in Harambee Stars’ friendly match against Madagascar). We cannot take a risk with him against DRC but he could be available for AFCON,” added the coach.

Migne is however adamant that the team can cope without Mandela comparing the current scenario with the one during the qualifications match against Ghana where Victor Wanyama, Mandela, Ayub Timbe and David Owino all missed out.

“We won against Ghana without key players. It is always problematic for the coach but we will try to find a solution,” he added.

Mandela is the most experienced player in the team having made his debut in 2011.

Harambee Stars provisional squad: Patrick Matasi (GK), Philemon Otieno, Abud Omar, Musa Mohammed, Victor Wanyama, Dennis Odhiambo, Erick Johanna, Ayub Timbe, Francis Kahata, John Avire, John Oyemba (GK), Faruk Shikalo (GK), Joash Onyango, Joseph Okumu, David Owino, Bernard Ochieng, Eric Ouma, Anthony Akumu, Ismael Gonzalez, Ovella Ochieng, Paul Were, Cliffton Miheso, Johanna Omollo, Masud Juma, Christopher Mbamba, Michael Olunga