Stars pop up in Abu Dhabi

... Doctors Rule Out Appiah
Ghana's camp base in Abu Dhabi, a city with rich historic background dating back to some 200 years ago, has remained busy since the Black Stars arrived late Wednesday for their pre-African Cup of Nations training camp.

The team has kept to its strict camping rules devoid of any distraction as Ghana prepares for the competition with more than half the number of the 27-man playing team training twice a day under Claude Le Roy.

First to touch down in the beautiful city before the travelling party from Accra, was Quincy Owusu Abeyie.

The Celta Vigo striker, has joined the Ghana team, his first meeting with the rest of the Black Stars for an assignment since Ghana mooted the idea to have his nationality switched despite having played for the Dutch Under-21 team.

World soccer governing body, FIFA are yet to decide the striker's status to enable him make that switch.

Other players have jetted in already from their various bases in Europe.

And the numbers at Ghana's camp would increase on Saturday morning when Mousaa Narry and Junior Agogo arrive in camp.

Then on Sunday, a complete team would be available to Claude Le Roy when Bernard Yao Kumordzi and Sammy Adjei join their colleagues.

Also joining in on Sunday would be the English-based group of four; Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, John Paintsil and Richard Kingson.

Doctors Rule Out Appiah

His doctors in Italy are continuing with treatment to the complications he suffered after a surgery on his knee in June.

The 27-year-old was keen to join the camp in the United Arab Emirates after being named as an advisor to the players ahead of the tournament in Ghana.

But his doctors say they need to continue with the treatment to accelerate his return to the pitch.

"I am still undergoing treatment and therapy in Italy now so I will not be in Abu Dhabi with my colleagues," Appiah said.

"Even though I will not be there I have spoken with captain John Mensah and the other senior players in the squad and I am confident they can keep the spirit."

However, the Fenerbahce midfielder will arrive in time to join the Black Stars in Ghana for the African Cup of Nations which starts on 20 January.

"I am grateful and honoured for that and will do all I can to support my team members. I should be in Ghana in time for the tournament."

Appiah will travel with his medical team to join the Black Stars by 17 January.