Ghana international Joseph Paintsil will not be available for the Black Stars upcoming friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda during the March international break.
And Paintsil, who plies his trade for Major League Soccer outfit LA Galaxy has explained his decision not to represent the national team this time.
Paintsil recently secure a move to LA Galaxy from Club Brugge and according to him, he needs to complete additional immigration documentation procedures before he can travel outside the United States.
Paintsil missed out on the 2022 World Cup squad under Otto Addo despite being on top form at the time. He expressed his disappointment and disagreement with Addo's choice, citing a lack of valid reasoning behind his exclusion.
A chunk of the football fanatic thought Paintsil's absence was due to his criticism of coach Otto Addo's decision to exclude him from the 2022 World Cup squad.
But the former Genk star has dismissed such speculations surrounding his exclusion from the squad.
"As a result of my very recent move to a new club in the United States, there are some further immigration documentation procedures I have to go through, which is why I am unable to travel outside the United States until the process is completed," Paintsil expressed.
"I have duly communicated the reasons for my absence from the national team to management. I wish the new head coach Otto Addo, my colleagues, and the entire team the best in this upcoming hurdle," he added.
Paintsil has been performing well in the MLS, scoring two goals and assisting once since his move to LA Galaxy.