Accra, Sept 1, GNA - Ghana will be without stand-in captain, John Mensah when they play Libya in a Group Five joint 2010 World Cup and African Cup of Nation's qualifier in Tripoli on Friday.

Black Stars coach Milovan Rajevac told GNA Sports that Mensah who is suffering from a calf injury has lost his race against time to make the team.

Rajevac said Mensah's team Doctors at Olympique Lyon communicated the extent of the player's injury to him last Sunday.

"He has not been training and he is currently working on regaining his fitness."

This is contrary to earlier reports that the defensive pillar would be available for the game that Ghana must win to authenticate their position at the summit of their group.

In the absence of the acting captain, Eric Addo who has also just returned from an injury sustained at the team's qualifier against Gabon in Libreville in June is expected to partner Issa Ahmed in central defence.

Mensah has played in all four previous qualifiers. Meanwhile, coach 'Milo' confirmed to GNA Sports that Sulley Muntari would be available for the encounter despite growing concerns over his match fitness.

Muntari was substituted by Luis Antonio Jiminez on 72 minutes of Inter Milan's Serie A opener against Sampdoria on Saturday with a suspected injury.

Milo told GNA Sports "From what I know he will be ready for the game on Friday".