CHERRIES head coach Scott Parker confirmed full-back Jordan Zemura would not be reporting for international duty with Zimbabwe – despite being named in his country’s national squad.

The Zimbabwe Football Association on Wednesday released a list of players included in their group for World Cup Qualifiers against South Africa an Ethiopia next month.

But with both Zimbabwe and Ethiopia on the UK Government’s red list for travel amid coronavirus restrictions, the Cherries full-back will not be permitted to travel for the fixtures.

Asked by the Daily Echo to clarify Zemura’s situation, Parker replied: “He won’t go, no. Jordan won’t go away with the internationals due to playing in a red country.

“He won’t travel with them.

“In terms of wellbeing, he would have to come back and would have to quarantine, so he won’t go away with Zimbabwe.”

Should Zemura have travelled for Zimbabwe’s fixtures, he would have had to undergo 10 days quarantine on his return.

The withdrawal also aligns with the EFL’s decision to follow the Premier League in announcing their clubs would not be releasing players for international commitments in red list countries.

The EFL on Thursday stated: “EFL Clubs have today taken the collective decision not to release players for international matches that are to be played in countries on the UK Government’s ‘red list’ next month.

“The EFL supports the decision of its clubs and is aligned with the position taken by our Premier League colleagues, who are also significantly impacted by this situation.

“The approach has been necessary as a result of FIFA’s policy change, whereby clubs are now required to release players to countries that are on a Governmental red list, where previously there was an exemption.”

Parker added: “First and foremost, (it’s) safety of the player and our player.

“The Government have decided that certain countries are red countries and they are red countries for a reason – because obviously they feel they are unsafe.

“Also, of course, he would have to come back and quarantine, so I think it’s best for everyone.”

Zemura has played twice at senior level for Zimbabwe, having made his debut against Algeria in November 2020.