Ghana and Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott has been dropped from the Black Stars’ squad for Qatar 2022 World Cup after fracturing his finger.
The Black Stars’ gloveman was set to be announced in Ghana’s 26-man squad for the tournament in Qatar, but for a cruel twist of fate on the eve of the tournament.
Last weekend, Wollacott was named in the Addicks’ squad away to Burton Albion while Jonny Williams was absent from Swindon’s squad to face Tranmere Rovers in League Two.
In the pre-match warm-up at the Pirelli Stadium, the 26-year-old caught a ball on the end of his finger and was forced to watch the 3-3 draw from the stands as Craig MacGillivray filled in between the posts.
Charlton boss Ben Garner had initially hoped it was only a minor injury that would have allowed Wollacott to join up with Ghana’s squad early this week.
But the Black Stars’ official announcement, made by head coach Otto Addo on Monday, all but confirmed the injury would keep the 26-year-old out of action for at least a number of weeks.
Ghana were already ruing their luck after fellow golie Richard Ofori was also prevented from being a part of the county’s line-up through injury late last week.
The Black Stars will face South Korea, Portugal, and Uruguay in Group H as they look to upset the odds and secure qualification through to the knock-out stages.
While the news is likely to be heart-breaking for Wollacott, Swindon’s officials will also be frustrated as the club will miss out on claiming around £52,000.
Clubs who lose players to the World Cup – and any player who has been registered with a team in the two years prior to the World Cup – will be eligible for a share of the daily pay-out from FIFA.