Former Ghana and Fulham defender John Paintsil says Thomas Partey's absence will affect the Black Stars ahead of their upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan.
Partey sustained a thigh injury in a Premier League match against Aston Villa last Sunday and is expected to be out of action for sometime.
Ghana host Sudan on Thursday at the Cape Coast stadium with the reverse fixture scheduled for November 17.
"He [Partey] has had an opportunity to play friendly matches and knows which players are ready and which ones are not. We should know that he has a replacement for Partey," Paintsil told Ghana Web.
“I think Akonnor will use his experience to turn things around. That’s why he wants to try a lot of players and this is where we are going to know who’ll replace him [Partey].
"I think we’ll definitely have someone who will replace him and play the same way as Partey does.
"His absence is definitely going to affect the team but I believe that we have a coach who will turn things around."
Ghana top Group C with six points after winning their opening two games against South Africa and Sao Tome.
Thursday's fixture will be his first-ever Afcon qualifier for coach CK Akonnor.
“They [Ghana] have a great coach with enough experience as a coach and player," Paintsil added.
"The players also need to understand that the coach trusts them, that is why he brought them. He has confidence in them to do a job.
"The players should play from their hearts and listen to the coach because the coach has tactics so they should stick to his plans.
“I’m sure the coach has watched the Sudanese and knows where he can hurt [them], so he will designate players who can get him the result.
"The players should stick to the coach’s plan and make sure it works. I’m confident Akonnor will work magic for Ghana."