The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has responded to growing questions over the unusually high number of absentees in the Black Stars’ 23-man squad for the upcoming FIFA international break, clarifying the reasons behind the omission of several key players.
Supporters were quick to notice the absence of notable names such as Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, and Alexander Djiku when the squad list was announced ahead of Ghana’s scheduled friendly fixtures.
While some familiar faces, including Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Salisu, and Lawrence Ati-Zigi, made the cut, the omission of several mainstays raised concerns among fans and pundits alike.
In an official statement, the GFA provided detailed explanations, citing a mix of injuries, club commitments, and tactical decisions behind the reduced presence of regulars in the squad.
A significant portion of the absences stems from injury-related issues. The GFA confirmed that Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, Abdul Mumin, Tariq Lamptey, Alidu Seidu, Ernest Nuamah, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, and Iñaki Williams have all been ruled out due to ongoing injury concerns.
In addition, players such as Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Elisha Owusu, and Ransford Yeboah Königsdörffer are reported to be nursing minor knocks, rendering them unfit for national team duties during this window.
Adding to the list of unavailable players are several individuals still engaged in active club campaigns. Footballers plying their trade in Turkey, including Jerome Opoku, Kingsley Schindler, and Alexander Djiku, are unable to join the squad as the Turkish Super Lig season is still ongoing.
Similarly, Joseph Paintsil and Osman Bukari remain committed to their Major League Soccer clubs in North America, while Jonas Adjetey is continuing his season with FC Basel in Switzerland.
Beyond injuries and club obligations, some exclusions were down to deliberate choices made by head coach Otto Addo. The GFA disclosed that Addo opted to rest certain players, including Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey and Michael Baidoo, as part of a strategy to manage workloads and avoid unnecessary fatigue. The decision, the association emphasized, was based on the technical staff’s assessment and not prompted by external factors.
Ghana is scheduled to participate in the Unity Cup in London as part of this international break. The Black Stars will face Nigeria in their opening fixture on Wednesday, 28 May.
The tournament offers an opportunity for Otto Addo to assess fringe players and give emerging talents a platform to impress ahead of more competitive fixtures later in the year.
Despite the absence of several star names, the GFA has expressed confidence in the selected squad’s ability to represent the nation with pride and determination.
The association also urged fans to understand the circumstances and continue supporting the team as preparations for future tournaments continue.
This international window will serve as a valuable testing ground for Ghana’s depth, especially as the Black Stars prepare for more demanding assignments in the months ahead.
The Unity Cup may be a friendly competition, but for many of the players selected, it represents a significant opportunity to stake a claim for more regular involvement in the national setup.
