The head coach of the senior national team the Black Stars, Kwasi Appiah, says that Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah and team captain Asamoah Gyan may not start Wednesday’s friendly match against Turkey in Istanbul.

He explained that Asamoah has been carrying an ankle injury sustained in a recent match for Juventus, and even though he has trained with the Black Stars, he could start the game from the bench.

“Kwadwo Asamoah has an ankle problem from his last game with Juventus. He has been training with it and for that reason, he may not start.”

Appiah also explained that the Ramadan festivities have resulted in Al Ain’s recent return to training, leaving Gyan short of match fitness.

“Because of the Muslims’ fasting, the team (Al Ain) also had some break and only just started training. So Gyan may also not start.”

Appiah stressed that Ghana needs to have a broad-based team to avoid over reliance on certain players.

“I have always had the belief that Ghana needs to have a deeper squad with many players so that any time there is an injury or fitness problems, we can stretch our hands and get someone to replace any such player. For that reason, it is important that we do that in friendly games. Since we do not have many friendly games, once we have one now, we have to make good use of it.”