Gyan in race against time

Ghana marksman Asamoah Gyan is confident he will be fit for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, despite injuring his hamstring last Friday. Ghana marksman Asamoah Gyan is confident he will be fit for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, despite injuring his hamstring last Friday.

The Al Ain striker has been ruled out for three weeks, but told the BBC that he could recover in time to be fit for the continental showpiece.

"The doctors have told me to undergo some treatment and rest for three weeks for me to fully recover," Gyan said. "If things go according to plan I will be fit before the Africa Cup of Nations starts.”

Having suffered a similar injury before the last two Cup of Nation tournaments, Gyan, 26, is upbeat over his participation in the 28th edition of the tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, which starts on January 21.

"I had similar injuries before the 2008 and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and this is the reason why I am confident that I will be ready for my country," he said.

"I am really desperate to be fit and I will follow the instructions of the doctors to ensure that before the tournament starts I am ready for Ghana."

One of the tournament favourites, four-time African champions Ghana are alongside Guinea, Mali and Botswana in Group D.