Asamoah Gyan’s absence for Monday’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations opener against Senegal is a huge blow to the West African giants.
The Al Ain attacker has been dropped from the starting line-up to face the Terranga Lions after being knocked down by a ‘mild bout’ of malaria.
The absence of the 28-year-old is a massive loss to the Black Stars who are looking to kick-start their campaign on a winning note.
Gyan is by far the best striker on the continent and hugely regarded as the man to carry the Black Stars through and helped them end their long search for an African crown.
The former Sunderland hitman is Ghana’s leading all-time scorer with 45 goals in 86 international appearances.
The Black Stars will be looking for a favourbale result in their crunch opening tie against the Terranga Lions in Mongomo.