Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz says players must be in competitive action and physically ready to represent the Black Stars as he prepares for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The 73-year-old has named a 24-man squad for Ghana’s opening Group C fixtures against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
Mohammed Kudus, Alexander Djiku, Jan Gyamerah, Nathaniel Adjei, Ibrahim Sulemana and Ibrahim Osman have returned to the squad after missing Ghana’s 2026 World Cup campaign.
Thomas Partey, Brandon-Thomas Asante, Abdul Mumin, Alidu Seidu, Jonas Adjetey and Elisha Owusu are among the notable absentees.
New York Red Bulls midfielder Ronald Donkor has also earned his first Black Stars call-up after impressing in Major League Soccer.
Queiroz said his technical team had closely monitored the players before making its selections.
“Our technical staff carried out our usual in-depth monitoring of the players,” Queiroz told Ghana FA media.
“The limitations or periods of inactivity affecting some players are also well known.
“There is always one general principle that we consider fundamental at this stage, except in exceptional circumstances: players should be in competitive action, physically prepared and fully ready to play for the national team.”
Meanwhile, the Black Stars will have to cope with the absence of Tottenham midfielder Mohammed Kudus, who has withdrawn from the squad.
Prince Adu Kwabena is also expected to miss the opening games after suffering a head injury at the weekend.
Ghana will begin their qualifying campaign with a trip to Bouaké, where they face Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix on 24 September.
The Black Stars will then return home to host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September.
Queiroz will be hoping for a positive start as Ghana seek to secure qualification for the 2027 AFCON after missing the 2025 tournament in Morocco.
The Black Stars will conclude the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.
