One vital concern for Kenya’s national side is the fitness of captain Victor Wanyama ahead of their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Group F qualifier against Ghana.
The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was included in head coach Sébastien Migné’s 38-man provisional squad. The Harambee Stars are eager to return to winning ways after falling 2-1 to Sierra Leone in the first round clash in June last year.
Local-based players started reporting to the Utalii Grounds and will be joined by their foreign-based counterparts today. But the major worry is if Wanyama, who returned to training last week after his side’s 3-0 thrashing of Manchester United will be fully fit for the crucial duel.
Football Kenya Federation Communications Manager Barry Otieno is hopeful Wanyama will be available for the clash.
“Of course we all know what it means to have Wanyama (Victor) in the team, but the decision remains with the coach and doctors to assess if he is ready. He has resumed training and we are hopeful he will be available for the match Ghana match,” Otieno told Standard Sports.
The official revealed that both medical teams (Tottenham and Kenya) have beTNen in contact and the decision made would be for the interest of the former Southampton man.
“We made the request to Tottenham Spurs to have him even before he got injured. Usually, call-ups are made as a standard procedure, so that the club knows we have an intention of using the player. And since he has resumed training, we will have to wait for a clearance from the medical team and an assessment from the coach,” said Otieno.
“Both medical staff from Tottenham and Kenya are in discussion over his situation. But the decision will be for the interest of the player.”
Ghana, who thrashed Ethiopia 5-0 in their opening match, are expected in the country on Thursday. Ëverything is set for the match. Ghana have informed us that they will be flying in on Thursday,” said Otieno.
