Brighton Manager Roberto De Zerbi Blasts Ghana Coach for Including Tariq Lamptey in AFCON Squad

• Roberto De Zerbi has reacted to Tariq Lamptey's AFCON selection
• The Ghana defender has been struggling with injuries this season
• The Brighton star is expected to make his country's AFCON squad

Brighton and Hove Albion manager, Roberto De Zerbi has hit out at Ghana coach, Chris Hughton for including the injured Tariq Lamptey in his squad for AFCON 2023.

The English manager named the defender in his 55-man provisional list despite the player being injured since November 25.

Lamptey has been in and out of the treatment room since the start of the season, also missing the international games in October and November.

The 23-year-old's last game for Brighton ended after just 35 minutes following an injury in the Premier League match against Nottingham Forest.

"Maybe the coach of Ghana doesn’t watch the Premier League because I don’t know how much time we are playing without Tariq Lamptey," said De Zerbi, as quoted by Joy Sports.

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"If he wants to play with Lamptey, I’m happy for Tariq, but he’s not available to play with Brighton [so] how can he play with Ghana [at the 2023 AFCON]?"

Hughton is expected to prune his squad to 26 players before the tournament begins in Ivory Coast next January.

Ghana have been drawn in Group B alongside seven-time champions Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique, as reported by Citi Sports.

Hughton discusses Partey's AFCON inclusion

Sports Brief previously reported on Hughton saying Arsenal have no choice but to release midfielder, Thomas Partey for AFCON in Ivory Coast next month.

The 30-year-old has been included in Ghana's 55-man provisional squad for the continental tournament despite having been out injured since October.

Partey has started light gym work and he is expected to be fully fit before the continental championship, with Hughton warning the Gunners about impeding.

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Hughton names provisional squad for AFCON 2023

Sports Brief also previously reported that Hughton released his 55-man squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next year.

Hughton included England-born West Bromwich Albion forward, Brandon Thomas-Asante as well as 11 home-based players in his squad.

The 55-man list, which will be pruned to 26 men, also sees youngster, Forson Amankwah earning his maiden call-up for Ghana's squad.