By: Kwame Bediako
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has been hit with a major setback as several key players have withdrawn from the national squad ahead of the team’s Asian tour due to injury.
Mohammed Kudus, Alexander Djiku, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, Fatawu Isesahaku and Joseph Paintsil are all sidelined due to recent injuries or knocks, leaving the Black Stars with a depleted lineup for the upcoming friendlies.
Although initially included in the squad, these players will remain with their respective clubs to rest and recover, following agreements between the Black Stars’ management and medical staff.
The clubs have decided not to risk their players’ fitness by allowing them to travel for assessments by the national team doctors, prioritizing long-term health over short-term participation.
Ghana is set to face Japan in the Kirin Challenge Cup on Friday, November 14, at Toyota Stadium in Aichi.
This will be followed by a friendly match against South Korea on Tuesday, November 18. Both matches will test Ghana’s squad depth and provide critical preparation ahead of the World Cup.
To fill the void left by the absentees, coach Otto Addo has called up several new faces including Prince Owusu from CF Montreal, Kelvin Nkrumah of Medeama SC, and Prince Kwabena Adu, a striker based in the Czech Republic.
These friendlies give Addo a valuable chance to assess emerging talents and expand his options.
With Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance on the horizon, these matches are crucial for fine-tuning the squad.
The World Cup group stage draw is scheduled for December 5 in Washington, where Ghana will learn their opponents and finalize preparations for the tournament ahead.
