Salis Abdul Samed has been left out of Ghana's squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who made his debut for the Black Stars in 2022 and has earned 19 caps to date, has not played this season after being deemed surplus to requirements at RC Lens.

Samed has not been training with the first team and is poised for a loan move to Sunderland, with an agreement between the two clubs reportedly in place.

Although the official reason for his exclusion was cited as an injury during the squad announcement press conference, it's widely believed that his imminent transfer played a significant role.

The Black Stars will begin their AFCON qualifying campaign with a match against Angola on September 5, 2024, in Kumasi, followed by a game against Niger on September 9, 2024.

Ghana will be looking to secure strong results despite Samed's absence, relying on the remaining squad members to deliver in the crucial fixtures.