Why Wanyama opted out of Stars friendly matches

Victor Wanyama has ruled himself out of Kenya's upcoming friendlies against Swaziland and Equatorial Guinea.

Speaking on Wednesday, the Harambee Stars captain says he needs to rest after a gruelling season.

"I think my club has talked to the federation, I need to rest because my knee has not completely healed. I have also spoken to the (Harambee Stars) coach about it," said Wanyama.

He was speaking after being unveiled as a DSTV brand ambassador for the 2018 Fifa World Cup.

Stars are set to play on Friday and Monday against Swaziland and Equatorial Guinea respectively in friendlies aimed at preparing the team for the forthcoming 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana in September.

The 26-year old midfielder also confirmed he will not be available for Harambee Stars tour of India which starts on June 1. Stars coach Sebastien Migne is expected to lead his charges in three friendlies against New Zealand, India and Chinese Taipei.

"I have spoken to the (Stars) coach (Sebastian Migne) about it," said Wanyama.

"Wanyama is great in his own right as a player, but also great in the sense that he is an iconic football legend," said Multichoice Kenya Managing Director Eric Odipo.

The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has, at the same time, backed his England teammates alongside Nigeria and Senegal to shine in Russia.

"England can do it. The team have been together for a while and that's an advantage. Nigeria and Senegal too are looking good. We are also working very hard to get into the world stage. It's not easy, we need to stick together, now, maybe it's not possible but in the future it can be done."

Stars friendlies are aimed at preparing the side for the crunch 2019 Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Ghana in Nairobi in September.