6 key Black Stars players to miss upcoming Japan and South Korea friendlies

Ghana’s preparations for the upcoming Kirin Challenge Cup in Japan have suffered a major setback as six senior players have been ruled out of the squad due to injuries and fitness concerns.

Coach Otto Addo will be without several influential members of the team as the Black Stars travel to Asia for friendlies against Japan and South Korea.

According to multiple reports, the absentees were withdrawn following consultations between their clubs and the national team’s medical staff.

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1. Mohammed Kudus

Kudus has withdrawn from the Asia tour after sustaining a knock that kept him out of his club’s last two matches. The decision was taken jointly by the national team management and his club to allow him time to recover and avoid aggravating the injury.

2. Thomas Partey

Partey will also miss the friendlies due to persistent injury concerns. Reports indicate that the decision was made to prioritise his rehabilitation and ensure his fitness for upcoming competitive fixtures.

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3. Alexander Djiku

Djiku has been withdrawn from the squad after suffering a series of injuries in recent weeks. Earlier reports mentioned a thigh strain, but the latest updates confirm that his exclusion was agreed upon by his club and the national medical team to aid full recovery.

4. Fatawu Issahaku

Issahaku will not feature in the upcoming friendlies after his club decided against releasing him for national duty. The move is understood to be a precautionary measure to protect his fitness and prevent further injury.

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5. Joseph Paintsil

Paintsil has also been ruled out of the tour. Reports indicate that both his club and the national technical team agreed he should remain with his side to continue treatment for a recent injury.

6. Jordan Ayew

Captain Jordan Ayew is the final player to withdraw from the squad. A November 11 report confirmed that he is among those ruled out due to recent injuries, with both parties agreeing that rest was the best course of action.

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Ghana will face Japan in the Kirin Challenge Cup on November 14, 2025, at the Toyota Stadium in Aichi, before taking on South Korea on November 18. In light of these absences, Coach Otto Addo is expected to field several new players as he continues to strengthen the squad ahead of future competitions.