The Gabonese Football Federation has announced that Didier Ndong has been told to return to club side Sunderland after failing to turn up for training.

The 22-year-old, who has been capped 18 times for his country, was due to feature in the World Cup qualifier against Mali next weekend.

Ndong did not make himself available for international duty, however, despite his national team's federation claiming that he was in capital city Libreville earlier this week.

"It was decided in agreement with the technical staff to inform the Sunderland the player is sent back to England from this Wednesday, November 9, 2016. His travel document had been amended accordingly," a statement read.

Ndong, a £13.6m signing from Lorient in August, is now expected to return to training with the Black Cats by next week ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against fellow strugglers Hull City on November 19.

Gabon drew their opening qualifier 0-0 against Morocco last month, as they aim to reach the World Cup finals for the first time in their history.