Tariq Lamptey has been ruled out of Ghana’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to injury but is set to feature for Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend, raising questions over his fitness status.
The right-back, who was suspended for Brighton’s previous Premier League match against Fulham, will be available for selection as the Seagulls face Manchester City on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
Manager Fabian Hürzeler confirmed the 23-year-old is ready to return, stating in a press conference: “He will be an option [after serving his suspension].”
Lamptey has been a key figure for Brighton this season, contributing two goals and two assists in 13 league appearances.
While occasionally deployed on the left flank, his pace and versatility have made him an integral part of the team’s ambitions.
Brighton are currently pushing for a seventh consecutive league victory, and a win against City could propel them into the Premier League’s top four—a historic achievement for the club.
Controversy Over Ghana Absence
Despite being declared fit for Brighton, Lamptey is among 12 players who have withdrawn from Ghana’s squad for their crucial World Cup qualifying fixtures against Chad and Madagascar on March 21 and 24.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) had announced that the defender was unavailable due to an ankle injury, a statement now under scrutiny given his readiness for club football.
The timing of his absence has raised concerns, particularly as the Black Stars are under pressure following their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Lamptey’s experience could have been a valuable asset for the national team, leaving many to question whether his exclusion is solely based on medical reasons or if other factors are at play.
With Ghana in desperate need of positive results, the controversy surrounding Lamptey’s availability adds another layer of intrigue to the team’s preparations for the World Cup qualifiers.
