Angola's Gilberto ruled out of African Cup

"We confirm that Gilberto will not take part in the African Cup because of injury," Angolan spokeswoman Mariana Graza told FilGoal.com on Thursday.

The Ahli winger has been flown to Germany late on Wednesday to undergo an operation with fears that he may not catch the World Cup too, according to the Angolan official.

Gilberto has limped off the pitch during his team's 2-2 friendly draw against Morocco in their final warm up on Tuesday ahead of the African Cup of Nations.

Gilberto's replacement is likely to be Brazilian-based striker Johnson Macaba

Angola play in Group B alongside Togo, DR Congo and Cameroon whom they will face in their tournament opener on Saturday.