Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah is counting the absence of Jerry Akaminko from the World Cup as a big loss.
The Turkey-based player landed badly in the 92nd minute of the pre-tournament friendly with the Netherlands on Saturday night.
Doctors say a broken fibula cannot heal in time for Akaminko to take part in the tournament and Kwesi Appiah feels sad for the defender.
Citi Sports understands that the former Heart of Lions man was a shoo-in for Brazil, but for the injury.
“It is unfortunate that Jerry has got to face this,” Appiah told the Ghana FA’s official website after the 1-0 defeat to the Dutch.
“Looking at the training he has done with the team we had lots of hope for the World Cup.”
“All we have to do, apart from the support we will offer him is to pray for him to come back stronger.”
The final squad named, predictably, did not have Akaminko’s name in it after he was dropped. Others who did not make the 23 heading to Brazil were Jeffery Schlupp and David Accam.
By Gary Al-Smith/Citifmonline.com/Ghana