By Rahman Osman
Follow Rahman on Twitter @iamrahmanosman
Experienced trainer EK Afranie has advised Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah not to include injury-prone John Mensah in his World Cup squad if there are doubts about his fitness.
The 31-year-old has been battling a recurring back problem since joining Slovakian topflight side FC Nitra.
Mensah has returned to top-tier and there are increased calls for his inclusion in Ghanaââ¬â¢s squad to Brazil because of his leadership qualities at the back.
But Afranie argues that the former Sunderland centre-back has not got the requisite fitness to be named in Ghanaââ¬â¢s squad.
ââ¬ÅJohn is an absolute world class defender for me but we must also admit that his injury concerns have slowed him down which makes it delicate to include him,â⬠Afranie told GHANASoccernet.com
ââ¬ÅA fit John Mensah for me is a good call but if we are not sure of his fitness level then I beg to differ.
ââ¬ÅHe has been there and seen it all. à If for a second we have a doubt about his state letââ¬â¢s not risk it might backfire and leave us short of options.ââ¬
Mensah would be looking to make is third world cup appearance after leading Ghana to an impressive quarter finals finish four years ago in South Africa.