Black Stars players before a football game
Ghana coach Otto Addo has been dealt a major blow ahead of the team’s Asian tour, as several key players will be unavailable for the upcoming friendlies.
Alexander Djiku, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Fatawu Issahaku, Joseph Paintsil, and Mohammed Kudus have all withdrawn from the squad due to recent injuries or knocks.
While initially named in the team, they will remain with their clubs to rest and recover, following agreements with the Black Stars’ management and medical staff. The clubs have opted not to risk their players’ fitness by allowing them to travel for assessment by the national team doctors.
Ghana will face Japan in the Kirin Challenge Cup on Friday, November 14, at Toyota Stadium in Aichi, before taking on South Korea on Tuesday, November 18.
To fill the gaps, Otto Addo has handed call-ups to new faces, including Prince Owusu (CF Montreal), Kelvin Nkrumah (Medeama), and Czech-based striker Prince Kwabena Adu.
These friendlies will allow Addo to assess his options ahead of Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance.
The World Cup group stage draw is scheduled for December 5 in Washington, where Ghana will learn its opponents.
