Sunderland’s player on loan at Dubai side Al Ain had temporarily put aside his international career following massive criticism from local news after his penalty miss against Zambia in the 2012 African Cup of Nations semi-final.

However, the 26-year-old expressed his wishes to once again play for his national team as soon as he would fully recover from the shock.

Meanwhile, the Lyon defender was left out of the squad due to an injury in his lower left thigh.

"I will pass through the team’s camp one of these days to wish them well ahead of Friday’s game," Mensah told the Daily Guide.

"I am recovering at a very fast pace but decided to allow myself to be healed completely so I can give my best shot,” he concluded.

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