Ghanaian versatile player, Jeffery Schlupp, currently with Crystal Palace, has been notably omitted from the Black Stars’ provisional Squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The squad, consisting of 55 players, was released by coach Chris Hughton ahead of the continental tournament.

The provisional list, unveiled on December 20, 2023, includes familiar faces like Mohammed Kudus, Jordan and Andre Ayew, Thomas Partey, Daniel Amartey, Inaki Williams, and others. However, Schlupp, despite his consistent performances for Crystal Palace, did not make the cut.

The former Leicester City player, who has been on form in the Premier League with one goal and one assist in 15 games this season, has experienced an extended absence from the national team. This exclusion follows an earlier outburst from Schlupp’s camp due to his omission from the 2022 World Cup squad under then-coach Otto Addo.

While Schlupp remains out of contention for the provisional squad, his teammate Jordan Ayew secured a spot on the list for the continental showpiece. Chris Hughton has until January 3 to finalise his selection, ultimately reducing the squad to the final 27 players for the tournament.

Ghana, placed in Group B of the 2023 AFCON alongside Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique, aim to add to its impressive AFCON history, having won the title four times, with the last victory in 1982.

The tournament is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, January 13, 2024 and run through to February 11, 2024.