ILLIA Zabarnyi has withdrawn from the Ukraine squad, meaning he will miss this Sunday's Euro 2024 qualifier against England.

Highly-rated Zabarnyi joined Cherries from Dynamo Kyiv on transfer deadline day in January, arriving for a fee reportedly worth around £24million.

But Cherries fans are yet to see their new centre-back in action.

The 20-year-old picked up an ankle injury in his final training session with Kyiv, ahead of his move to Cherries.

While he is back out working on the grass, Zabarnyi has not yet been deemed fit enough to be included in a matchday squad for Cherries.

Despite that he was named in Ukraine's squad.

Asked last week how he felt about Zabarnyi, who has 24 senior Ukraine caps, being called up ahead of this weekend’s game against England at Wembley, having not yet made his Cherries debut, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “I’m not sure how that will be handled.

“There will be conversations around what he’s ready for and what he isn’t ready for. We’ll see.

“I’m sure he’ll come back absolutely fine and be ready to go with us.”

This afternoon, Cherries confirmed Zabarnyi was "given permission by the Ukrainian FA to continue his rehabilitation at the club".

Nine first-team players have gone away with their respective nations.

They include Matias Vina (Uruguay) and Hamed Traore (Ivory Coast), who have both been eased into action in recent weeks following injury issues of their own.

Asked if he had any concerns about some of his players heading away when they may not be fully fit, O’Neil insisted: “I’m comfortable with the situation.

“I understand they have to represent both. It’s an honour to represent your country, so I would never have any questions with it.

“There will be dialogue between us and the teams involved to make sure anything they do fits where they are at the moment.

“So nothing unrealistic with them. But I’m fine that they go away, just hopefully we come through okay.”

Cherries return to action on Saturday, April 1, hosting Fulham.