Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has hinted he will not field captain Asamoah Gyan for the crunch 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zambia if he is not 100 percent fit.
The Al Ain ace could not complete Tuesday's training session in Accra after limping off injured.
Gyan is on the mend and must pass a late fitness test for Friday's match at the Baba Yara Stadium.
"We cannot not risk Gyan or take chances by fielding a weak team," said Appiah
"He is our captain and a very good player for us but if he is not fit, we don’t take that risk in such a situation.
"We know Ghanaians will want to see him on Friday, but seriously, we cannot take such chances."
Gyan is itching to face the Chipolopolo after missing a penalty in the 1-0 2012 Nations Cup semi-final defeat.
He had taken a break from international football when the Black Stars lost again by 1-0 in the corresponding fixture played last June in Ndola.