Youssouf Mulumbu will soon be available for Norwich City selection again, after Democratic Republic of Congo were knocked out of the African Cup of Nations.

The Canaries midfielder was an unused substitute as his international side were beaten 2-1 by Ghana in the quarter-finals of the tournament in Gabon this evening.

Mulumbu has not played for City since a 0-0 draw at Brentford on New Year's Eve but only played in two matches, as a 72nd-minute substitute in a 2-2 draw with Ivory Coast and playing all of a 3-1 win over Togo – being named man of the match – as DR Congo topped Group C.

The 29-year-old could now be available for the Canaries' trip to Cardiff City in the Championship on Saturday, which is followed by an away game at Wigan Athletic next Tuesday.

That will come as a boost to manager Alex Neil, who is without central midfielders Graham Dorrans and Louis Thompson due to injury.