Ghana assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko admits Inter Milan ace Kwadwo Asamoah could miss next week’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya due to fitness concerns.
The playmaker, who has been recalled to the Black Stars after a four-year absence, is currently battling with a knock picked up while in league action for the Nerazzurri on Sunday.
The setback forced his substitution in the game, and he had until Thursday been training separately from Inter’s full squad. Although his fitness is still being evaluated, he has been named in Luciano Spalletti’s matchday squad for Saturday’s Serie A clash with Bologna.
“I spoke to Kwesi Appiah a while ago and he was complaining about Asamoah injury situation, not only him but John Boye as well,” Tanko told Goal on Thursday.
“We’re going to wait until the end of Friday, he [Appiah] will speak with him [Asamoah] to check how he is doing.
“We still have the chance to call up a replacement if need be. But I don’t think it is likely because we have already invited 21 players and in such a game as an Afcon qualifier, only 18 players can dress.
“So let’s wait until the end of Friday to know if he will be available or not, if a new player will be called to replace him or if we will go with the remaining of the players already called up.
“This is the situation.”
Asamoah’s absence will be a massive blow to Appiah, who is hoping to re-integrate the Inter man back into the Black Stars as the Afcon qualifiers get into full swing.
The 29-year-old has not played for Ghana since featuring in an Afcon qualifier against Uganda in September 2014. He asked to be excused from national duty due to a long-term injury problem.
FC Metz centre-back Boye, on the other hand, picked up an injury during a French Cup clash with Lens on Tuesday. He was substituted in just the 15th minute.
-Goal