Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi has voiced concerns over Chris Hughton’s decision to include the injured Tariq Lamptey in Ghana’s provisional squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
De Zerbi, questioning Hughton’s familiarity with the Premier League, expressed doubt about Lamptey’s fitness, given his recent inactivity due to injuries.
De Zerbi emphasised the need for Hughton to be aware of Lamptey’s situation in the Premier League, stating, “Maybe the coach of Ghana doesn’t watch the Premier League. I don’t know how much time we have played without Tariq Lamptey.”
The Italian coach suggested that if Lamptey is unfit to play for Brighton, including him in Ghana’s squad for the upcoming tournament is questionable.
Lamptey switched allegiance from England to Ghana in 2022 and featured in the 2022 World Cup as his first major tournament but has faced injuries afterward
The 23-year-old has been grappling with injuries this season, resulting in his absence from Ghana’s recent international friendlies and World Cup qualifiers.
In addition to Lamptey’s uncertainty, Arsenal’s Thomas Partey faces a race against time to recover before the AFCON, with Daniel Kofi Kyere also eager to make a return after nearly a year on the sidelines.
The tournament, hosted in Ivory Coast, will feature Ghana in Group B alongside Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique. AFCON 2023 is scheduled to kick off on January 13, 2023.