Ghanaâ??s chances of winning the African Cup of Nations trophy suffered a blow when their captain Steven Appiah was ruled out due to a recurring knee injury.
The BBC reported that he had been in Italy for tests to get a second opinion, but his doctors confirmed that he would not be fit.
"The news has come as a bitter blow to Stephen," a statement on the player's website said.
"[He] has been working hard in the last week or so to prove he is fine and fit.
"Stephen [would] like to say a big thank you to all his fans and well wishers who have sent him get well soon messages in the last few weeks.
"He is very grateful for your support."
Ghanaian coach Claude Le Roy originally named Appiah in his provisional squad of 40 players, but will now have to find a replacement as well as a new captain for the team.
Locals called up
The provisional 40-man squad includes foreign and local internationals with lots of uncapped players.
Nine local players were invited and were drawn from Ghanaian clubs, Asante Kotoko, Ashantigold, Liberty Professionals, Kessben FC and Hearts of Oak.
The domestic leagueâ??s top scorer, Eric Bekoe of Asante Kotoko gets his debut call up with Black Starlets full-back Daniel Opare of AshantiGold is also included.
FIFA to decide on Dickson
23-year old Gillingham striker, Chris Dickson who plays in the English League One has earned his debut call up.
Quincy Owusu-Abeyie has been included in the team as the FA awaits FIFAâ??s decision on his eligibility to play for Ghana.
A ruling on Quincy's status is expected during the second week of next month, though the Ghana Football Association has appealed for a fast-tracked process.
Ghana squad
Goalkeepers:
Richard Kingson (Birmingham City, England), Sammy Adjei (Ashdod, Israel), Fatau Dauda (Ashantigold, Ghana), Laud Quartey (Hearts of Oak Ghana) and Isaac Amoako (Asante Kotoko, Ghana).
Defenders:
John Paintsil (West Ham, England), Dan Opare (Ashantigold, Ghana), Hans Adu Sarpei (Bayern Leverkusen, Germany), Nana Kwasi Asare (FC Mechelon, Belgium), John Mensah (Rennes, France), Alhassan Illiasu (FC Saturn, Russia), Francis Dickoh (FC Utretcht, Holland), Kofi Amponsah (Appollon Kalamarias, Greece), Afful Harrison (Asante Kotoko, Ghana), Daniel Addo (Kessben FC, Ghana)
Midfielders:
Anthony Annan (I.K. Start, Norway), Eric Addo (PSV Eindhoven, Holland), Kwadwo Asamoah (Liberty Professionals, Ghana), Michael Essien (Chelsea, England), Bennard Kumodzi (Panionios FC, Greece), Laryea Kingston (Hearts, Scotland), Haminu Draman (Locomotiv Moscow, Russia), Moussa Narry (Etoile du Sahel, Tunisia), Sulley Muntari (Portsmouth, England), Andre Ayew (Olympique Marseille, France), Ahmed Barruso (AS Roma, Italy), Hamza Mohammed (FC Ceahlaul, Romania), Rabiu Mohammed (Liberty Professionals, Ghana), Michael Helegbe (FC Guingamp, France)
Strikers:
Matthew Amoah (NAC Breda, Holland), Asamoah Gyan (Udinese, Italy), Baffuor Gyan (FC Saturn, Russia), Junior Agogo (Nottingham Forest, England), Quincy Owusu-Abeyie (Celta Vigo, Spain), Nafiu Iddrisu (Asec, Ivory Coast), Eric Bekoe (Asante Kotoko, Ghana), Joe Tex Frimpong (Young Boys, Switzerland), Chris Dickson (Gillingham, England), Sadat Bukari (Etoile du Sahel, Tunisia).