BENIK Afobe is set to put his club before his adopted country and pull out of DR Congo’s Africa Cup of Nations squad.

The Cherries striker was last week named in their provisional squad for the tournament, which starts in Gabon on January 14.

But the 23-year-old is expected to stay behind after forcing his way into Eddie Howe’s plans in recent weeks.

DR Congo could ask FIFA to suspend the player at club level for the duration of the tournament.

Afobe, who joined Cherries for £9million from Wolves 12 months ago, was named in Howe’s starting line-up against Swansea today and bagged the opening goal.

However, Max Gradel, who has been named in Ivory Coast’s provisional squad, will join his country for a training camp in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Gradel, who did not feature in the Cherries squad at the Liberty Stadium, could miss up to six weeks of the season for Cherries, depending on how far the holders progress.