Black Stars assistant coach, John Paintsil has stressed the need for Ghana to approach the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a fully fit squad and has expressed concern on the current injury situations in the senior national team.
Ghana continue to monitor the injury situation within the squad with few months to the World Cup as starman Mohammed Kudus remains on sidelines, while Francis Abu and Mohammed Salisu are also expected to miss the competition due to long-term setbacks.
There is some good news, however, as Ernest Nuamah has resumed light training after nearly a year out, with Abdul Mumin now fully fit and back in action for Rayo Vallecano so as Inaki Williams.
Head coach Otto Addo is expected to name his final World Cup squad on June 1, as expectations rise for a solid showing in Group L, where Ghana will face Panama, 1966 champions England and 2018 finalists Croatia.
In a recent interview, Paintsil, who featured in the 2006 and 2010 editions, says the country is experienced and well-known at the Mundial now but added they will have to put in efforts as the tourney has a very expectation.
"When it comes to the World Cup, Ghana is now experienced. We have been to the round of 16 in 2006 and the quarter-finals in 2010," he told 3Sports.
"Coming into this World Cup, the expectation is very high. I can't wait to see how things will go on our side. Like I keep saying, I want all our players to be fit, so they'll be ready for the call-up," Paintsil, who played at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.”
The Black Stars begin their campaign against Panama on June 17, before meeting England on June 23 and wrapping up the group phase against Croatia on June 27.
Ghana will regroup in March for pre- World Cup friendlies against Austria and Germany followed by a final warm-up match with hosts Mexico in May.
