2017 AFCON:Avram to name replacements for injured duo

Ghana’s technical team will today name the replacements for their injured midfield duo of Godfred Donsah and Emmanuel Agyemang Badu ahead of Saturday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda.

Coach Avram Grant has been struggling since Saturday to find replacements the Italy-based injured duo whose absence became clear following Serie A matches.

Grant has been scouring Ghanaian players both home and abroad to determine which players he would name to replace them.

He is expected to name the players today and the release of Europe-based players could be difficult thanks to the 14-day FIFA law of informing their clubs before invitations are sent.

As such the replacements are expected to be named today to boost the squad in their training camp in Brazzaville

The two midfielders were named in the 24-man squad announced a few days ago by coach Avram Grant but late injuries have denied them participation in the September 5 encounter.

Agyemang Badu picked up a knock at training ahead of their Serie A encounter with Palermo while Godfred Donsah picked a shoulder dislocation in the 55th minute in his debut game for Bologna in their 1-0 defeat to Sassuolo.

Coach Avram Grant is hence racing against time to invite a replacement for the duo as names like Alfred Duncan of Sassuolo and Thomas Teye Partey of Athletico Madrid pop up.

Teye Partey 22 spent last season on loan at Almeria played 31 matches and scored 4 goals as a central midfielder while Alfred Duncan 22 played 26 games with a goal last season.

Duncan who lasted the entire duration of the game against Bologna may be called to take the position of Donsah while Partey comes in for Badu.

The Black Stars will be playing Rwanda in Kigali on 5 September in the 2nd group game in the 2017 Afcon qualifier after thrashing Mauritius by 7-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium on June 4.