Ghana defender John Mensah won’t be called-up for next month’s World Cup playoffs first leg tie against Egypt, the Ghana FA has hinted.
Many have clamoured for the return 30-year-old, who has returned to the country after leaving French side Rennes.
Media reports in Ghana on Thursday have claimed coach Appiah has rejected calls for Mensah’s return and has rather opted to recall veteran goalkeeper Richard Kingson.
Ghana FA Technical Director, Francis Oti Akenteng has given credence to the reports after hinting the former Lyon strong centre-back is not line for selection.
“For now, I know that John Mensah is in Ghana and he is not playing in any team. He has just come out of injury so why do we call on somebody like that to be in the team,â€Akenteng told Radio XYZ
“We need him (John Mensah) very much because as a person I think that anytime he is in the team he commands a lot of respect and brings a lot to the table but will he be able to perform the duty that we want him to do?
I believe that since he (John Mensah) has not been playing I don’t think that he (John Mensah) can do that job.â€
Ex-Ghana international Joe Addo opened the public debate on the potential return of the defender by describing him as an intelligent player whose return to the team will be hugely appreciated.
But for now it certain Kwesi Appiah won’t  give in to the public outcry to recall him and will rely on jittery Jonathan Mensah and John Boye at the heart of defence against Egypt in Kumasi.