Breaking News: Genk forward Joseph Paintsil dropped from Ghana’s squad – Number of local players to be part of the team confirmed

Genk forward, Joseph Paintsil, has been dropped from the Black Stars’ final 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup ahead of Otto Addo’s announcement according to reports.

Paintsil made the 55-man preliminary squad which was announced on Friday, November 2, but it has been confirmed that the Genk forward will not be part of the team.

The 24-year-old attacker has had a bright start to the 2022/23 season, bagging six league goals and providing five assists in 13 games.

The pacy winger was hoping to make the Black Stars team for the Mundial but has his hopes now dashed after being left out of the squad.

The decision is said to have been communicated to the player by Otto Addo, who is expected to name his list later this week according to MyJoyOnline.

He was part of Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations squad in Cameroon earlier this year while he was also called up for the World Cup playoff tie against Nigeria in March.

However, Ghanasportspage.com can also confirm that only one local player has been included in the final 26-man squad to the world’s biggest tournament.

Three players (Asante Kotoko goalkeeper, Danlad Ibrahim, Hearts of Oak duo Afriyie Barnieh and Dennis Korsah) booked place in the provisional.

Ahead of the final announcement, we can bodly reveal that Daniel Afriyie Barnieh is the only local-based player who has been included in the final 26-man squad for the World Cup.

Otto Addo is expected to announce the final 26-man squad on Friday before the commencement of the competition on November 20.

As part of the team’s preparations, the four-time African champions will engage Switzerland in an international friendly on 17 November in Abu Dhabi.