Joe Wollacott suffers World Cup agony as finger injury rules Charlton Athletic keeper out

Joe Wollacott’s World Cup dream is over after the Charlton Athletic goalkeeper was ruled out after breaking a finger in the warm-up before Saturday’s League One match at Burton Albion.

Ghana announced their 26-man squad this morning and the Addicks number one was not in it.

Wollacott had been expected to start the tournament in Qatar as Ghana’s starting stopper.

But the 26-year-old suffered an injury before the match against the Brewers, which was set to be his final action before linking up with his country.

Charlton manager Ben Garner said: “Everyone at the club is bitterly disappointed for Jojo. He played such an important part in Ghana getting to the World Cup and we all know how much he was looking forward to it. For the injury to happen so close to the tournament and in such innocuous fashion is very cruel.

“My understanding is that following surgery he will still meet up with the Ghana squad and remain a key member of their travelling party. Knowing Jojo as I do he will respond to this setback with great maturity and a determination to come back even stronger.

“I think the world of him, both as a person and as a player. It goes without saying that Jojo will receive our full love, care and support throughout this coming period.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS