Ghana coach C.K Akonnor has suggested that former Real Valladolid defender Mohammed Salisu was considered for Ghana national team selection for October’s friendly against Mali but English Premier League side Southampton FC want their summer recruit to be fitter before thinking about international football.
The young left-footed center back has not appeared in any of the three competitive games Southampton has played this season as he nurses an injury.
Salisu was one of the biggest revelations of the 2019/20 La Liga season and attracted interest from several European clubs including Ligue 1 side Stade Rennes but the 21-year old Ghanaian decided on the EPL campaigners managed by German coach Ralph Hasenhüttl.
“He is not in the team because I heard his coach spoke about him in terms of fitness level.” Akonnor said on Friday evening after announcing his squad for the Mali friendly game next month.
“They are looking at October after the national games, before he will be back. Based on that, I want to give him a chance to rest and get fit and start a game in Southampton and then we will look forward to get him on board.” the Black Stars coach explained.