Milo upbeat despite injuries

Ghana's preparations for the friendly against Egypt might have been disrupted by injuries to some key players, but coach Rajevac remains confident that they can get a good result in Cairo.

The Black Stars play Egypt in their first international friendly for the year as Rajevac continues his build up towards the start of next month’s African Zone qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup and CAF Nations Cup.

Striker Matthew Amoah has been ruled out, whilst teammates Michael Essien and John Mensah are recovering from injuries.

“There is a little problem with the timing of the game. We would miss some players, (Michael) Essien, (John) Mensah and (Matthew) Amoah because of injuries.”

Rajevac remains concerned with the recurring injury of defender, John Mensah, and admits that a solution would have to be found.

“We have a problem in the last line of defence because of Mensah’s absence.”

With the absence of (John) Mensah, Rajevac has called up Isaac Vorsah, who plays for Bundesliga side, Hoffenheim.

The Black Stars coach believes Vorsah can step into the defensive unit as he looks for other options.

“He (Vorsah) can play central defence and is tall. I will try him in that position because of Mensah is often injured in the last six months.

“We can count on others and have to be ready at any time.

“I want to set up the team before the first World Cup qualifier,” Milovan Rajevac told www.ghanafa.org.

As such Rajevac will continue the team's evolution that he began when he took over the reigns in August and has no fears over filling the gap left by the injured players.

“We would have to set up the team and play with one of the best in Africa (Egypt). And we would try to get a good result.

“Results are always important. But if we find some solutions in the team, better benefit for us. That’s why we are trying to set up the team for the qualifiers.”

Ahead of the Egypt friendly, Ghana’s coach believes Asamoah Gyan’s return to match fitness after a long spell on the sidelines would bolster his striking options.

The game against Egypt would be Gyan’s debut under Rajevac and also his first match after a year for Ghana since going out injured during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.

"Asamoah was the first choice before his injury, and he must demonstrate that he merits a place in the first team."

"It is always best to have options in attack, which is a sign of a good team," he says.

Ghana squad:

Richard Kingson, George Owu, John Paintsil, Habib Mohammed, Eric Addo, Jonathan Quartey, Isaac Vorsah, Anthony Annan, Nana Kwesi Asare, Moussa Narry, Sulley Muntari, Laryea Kingston, Stephen Appiah, Asamoah Gyan, Prince Tagoe, Junior Agogo, William Mensah, Samuel Yeboah, Kwadwo Asamoah, Haminu Draman