Roberto De Zerbi blasts Chris Hughton over Tariq Lamptey’s inclusion in provisional squad

Brighton and Hove Albion manager, Roberto De Zerbi has slammed Ghana coach, Chris Hughton for including Tariq Lamptey in his 55-man provisional squad.

The former Chelsea defender who is currently nursing an injury has been included in Black Stars squad for the 34th edition of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which is slated to be hosted in Ivory Coast.

However, speaking in a press conference on Wednesday ahead of their Premier League game against Crystal Palace later tonight said Lamptey is injured and will not be available to play for Ghana at the tournament and criticized Chris Hughton for his decision to include the injured right-back in his provisional squad.

“He (Tariq Lamptey) is not available to play with us, so how will he play with the Ghana national team?” the Italian manager said.

“It seems that the Ghana national team coach does not follow the Premier League,” he added.

Chris Hughton is expected to announce Ghana’s final 27-man squad for the tournament on January 3.

Ghana, who are chasing to lift their fifth continental title have been housed in Group B for the tournament and will face Cape Verde, Egypt and Mozambique in the tournament which will be hosted in Ivory Coast next year.

The Black Stars of Ghana will first come up against Cape Verde at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on January 14, 2024, then face Egypt at the same venue four days later and then Mozambique at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on January 22, 2024.

The 34th edition of the AFCON has been scheduled to kick off from January 13 to February 11.