Nonda has yet to play for Monaco this season

Shabani Nonda could make his long-awaited comeback as Democratic Republic of Congo captain next month.

He was named in a preliminary squad of 17 foreign-based players for their World Cup qualifier in Ghana.

Nonda has not featured for his country in 18 months but is expected to feature in the 10 October game in Kumasi.

Earlier this month, the forward with French side AS Monaco travelled to Kinshasa for their last Group Two qualifier against South Africa but did not play because of a thigh injury.

Simbas coach Claude LeRoy is also hoping to end the long exile of defender Nzelo Lembi whose last game for his country was in 1997.

The Kaiserslautern player was called up for the South Africa match but an Achilles injury stopped him from playing.

Included is Lomana LuaLua who also missed their last qualifier due to an injury.

LeRoy is talking to former Dutch youth international Kiki Musampa and Portuguese under-23 player Ariza Makukula, who were born in Kinshasa, about playing for the country.

The coach, currently travelling in Europe, is also seeking to recall Frank Matingou of French club Bastia, who last played for the country at the 2004 Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

The Sweden-based trio of Yannick Ngaba Bapupa, Rene Makondele and Blaise Mbemba were all called up for the first time since LeRoy took over as coach.

DR Congo share top spot in Group Two with Ghana on seven points after four matches of the 2006 World Cup and Cup of Nations qualifiers.