Pantsil out of African Nations

Pantsil: Knee problem

Related links

Teams

• Fulham
• Ghana

Players

• John Paintsil

Also see

• Fulham fixtures
• Fulham stats
• Fulham forum

John Pantsil has been forced to withdraw from Ghana's African Cup of Nations squad through injury.

The Fulham full-back twisted his knee during the Cottagers' 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Monday and is now facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

He is guaranteed to miss Africa's showpiece event in the New Year, with Getafe's Derek Boateng called up as his replacement.

Pantsil admits he is bitterly disappointed to miss out on the prestigious tournament, especially as he feels Ghana are among the favourites to land the crown.

"I am so sorry that I cannot make Angola 2010," he said.

"But I promise that this team will bring back the cup without me."

Ghana squad for 2010 African Cup of Nations:

Goalkeepers: Daniel Agyei (Liberty Professionals), Richard Kingson (Wigan Athletic), Philemon McCarthy (Hearts of Oak)

Defenders: Eric Addo (Roda JC), Lee Addy (Bechem Chelsea), Harrison Afful (Esperance), Samuel Inkoom (FC Basle), John Mensah (Sunderland), Hans Sarpei (Bayer Leverkusen), Isaac Vorsah (Hoffenheim)

Midfielders: Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Sampdoria), Opoku Agyemang (Al Sadd), Anthony Annan (Rosenborg), Dede Ayew (Arles-Avignon), Rahim Ayew (Zamalek), Derek Boateng (Getafe), Haminu Dramani (Lokomotiv Moscow), Michael Essien (Chelsea), Moussa Narry (Auxerre)

Forwards: Dominic Adiyiah (Fredrikstad), Matthew Amoah (NAC Breda), Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese), Asamoah Gyan (Stade Rennes).

Sky Bet Odds: