As anticipation builds for the 2025 Unity Cup in London, the Black Stars may be facing a setback with the potential absence of several key players. Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, Dr. Randy Abbey, has raised concerns about the team’s squad depth ahead of the tournament.

Ghana is set to face longtime rivals Nigeria on May 28 in the semifinals of the four-nation tournament, with the winner advancing to the final against either Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago on May 31 at the Gtech Community Stadium. But preparations are clouded by injury woes and player unavailability due to club commitments.

Speaking to 3Sports, Dr. Abbey explained the challenge facing the team’s technical bench:
“There are quite a number of players who are injured. There are a few players who are also engaged in qualifying games for Europe, and so their clubs won’t release them. Mind you, this period is outside the FIFA free period,” he said.

He further clarified that players involved in ongoing European league campaigns may not be released by their clubs, compounding the problem.
“And so, for those whose leagues will still be in session, and they are still in contention, they might not be available, plus the injured players,” Dr. Abbey added.

Despite the setbacks, the Black Stars are expected to open camp on Sunday, May 25, in Accra. The Unity Cup forms part of the team’s build-up to their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Mali in September.