Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi has expressed confusion over the inclusion of injured right-back Tariq Lamptey in Ghana’s provisional squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The former England youth international, who made his Ghana debut shortly before the 2022 World Cup, has been out of action since late October due to injury, missing Brighton’s last eight games.
De Zerbi questioned how Lamptey could be selected for the AFCON squad when he is not even available to play for Brighton. “The coach of Ghana doesn’t watch the Premier League, otherwise, they would know that Tariq Lamptey hasn’t played for us in months,” De Zerbi said at a press conference. “He’s not fit to play for us, so how can he play for Ghana?”
The provisional squad, which includes 55 players, will be narrowed down to a final 27 players who will represent Ghana in the tournament.
The Black Stars are expected to begin their pre-tournament camp at least three weeks before their opening match, although the specific location has not been confirmed.
Ghana’s group stage matches in the AFCON will start with a game against Cape Verde on January 14, followed by matches against Egypt and Mozambique.
The Black Stars, who haven’t won the AFCON title since 1982, are determined to make a strong impression in the upcoming tournament.
Source: 3news.com