Brighton and Hove Albion manager, Roberto De Zerbi, has revealed that Tariq Lamptey would not be available to play for Ghana at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next month.

The 23-year-old wing-back has been out with an injury since November 25 and there’s no stated date for his return to action.

However, he has been listed in Chris Hughton’s 55-man Black Stars provisional squad for the AFCON set to start in 23 days.

Speaking ahead of Brighton’s game against Crystal Palace, the Italian coach was surprised at Hughton’s decision to name Lamptey in his squad.

“Maybe the coach of Ghana doesn’t watch the Premier League because I don’t know how much time we are playing without Tariq Lamptey.

“If he wants to play with Lamptey, I’m happy for Tariq, but he’s not available to play with Brighton, how can he play with Ghana [at the 2023 AFCON].”

Ghana is set to open their group stage campaign against Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14, 2024 - that is in 24 days.

The Black Stars will then play against record champions Egypt in their second group match against Egypt in four days before wrapping up the group face against Mozambique on January 22.

By January 2024, it will be 42 years since Ghana last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1982.