Ghana will be without Jordan Ayew, Daniel Amartey and Tariqe Fosu for the World Cup qualifier against South Africa following a decision by Premier League clubs not to release players for matches in red-list countries.
South Africa are on United Kingdom’s Covid-19 red-list, which means Crystal Palace striker Ayew, Leicester City defender Amartey and Brentford’s Fosu are affected by the decision.
Andy Yiadom of England Championship side Reading FC could also miss the game in Johannesburg on September 6.
However, Baba Rahman who is based in the UK is expected to be available because he wasn’t registered by Chelsea for Premier League and is nearing a move away from the club before the summer transfer window shuts on August 31.
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been ruled out of both Ethiopia and South Africa games due to injury, but he wouldn’t have played against Bafana Bafana if he was fit.
Ghana play Ethiopia in Cape Coast on September 3 before facing South Africa three days later.
Under current UK government rules, players who visit red-list countries would be forced to miss several games because of the 10-day isolation period required on return to the UK.
The Premier League said “extensive talks” had taken place with the Football Association and government “to find a solution” but that “no exemption had been granted”.
It added that it “strongly supported” the move made by top-flight sides, which “will apply to nearly 60 players from 19 clubs who are due to travel to 26 red-list countries”.
“Premier League clubs have always supported their players’ desires to represent their countries – this is a matter of pride for all concerned,” said Premier League chief executive Richard Masters.
“However, clubs have reluctantly but rightly come to the conclusion that it would be entirely unreasonable to release players under these new circumstances.
“Quarantine requirements mean that players’ welfare and fitness will be significantly impacted. We understand the challenges that exist in the international match calendar and remain open to workable solutions.”
Ghana are not the only country affected as Egypt has been made aware by Liverpool that Mohammed Salah won’t play in their home game against Angola.
Source: 3news.com|Ghana