Cameroon's No 1 goalkeeper Andre Onana removed from Indomitable Lions World Cup squad

Cameroon's goalkeeper Andre Onana gestures during the African Cup of Nations 2022 quarter-final soccer match between Gambia and Cameroon at the Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, on Jan. 29, 2022. AP

Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana was removed from their squad just hours before their Group G game against Serbia on Monday.

The Inter Milan keeper, who played in their opening defeat to Switzerland, was dropped for the game and not included among the matchday substitutes after being dismissed following an argument with Cameroon coach, Rigoberto Song.

The argument is reported to have been over the keeper's preference to try and play the ball out from the back, rather than sending his kicks far up the pitch, with Song recriminating with him for taking too many risks.

Cameroon's coach Rigobert Song Bahanag gives instructions from the side line during the friendly soccer match between South Korea and Cameroon at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Onana will play no further part in the World Cup, with Devis Epassy, who plays his club football for Abha in Saudi Arabia and who has just five international appearances given the nod against Serbia.

Legendary striker Samuel Eto'o attempted to mediate in the dispute between Onana and Song, but to no avail and squad sources have been quoted as saying the relationship between the pair is "irreversible".