Otto Addo thinks Marvin Senaya could solve right-back prolems

Otto Addo has welcomed the arrival of Marvin Senaya as a potential solution to Ghana's right-back crisis, with the AJ Auxerre defender set to provide much-needed cover in a position that has become a growing concern for the Black Stars.

Speaking after Ghana's 5-1 loss to Austria, Addo laid bare the injury issues that have forced him to deploy natural midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi in an unfamiliar defensive role.

"We have problems at that very position. We used to play with Alidu Seidu, who has a little bit issues with injuries at his club. Also Tariq Lamptey, who has a long-term injury. So Caleb jumped into that position," he explained.

Yirenkyi endured a difficult outing against Austria, but Addo defended the 20-year-old, pointing to his contributions in World Cup qualifying matches. However, the coach acknowledged that a specialist option is needed.

"Now we are happy to get Marvin. He is new to the system, so we have to see for the future. At the moment we didn't have much options for that side."

Senaya, who recently committed his international future to Ghana after a heated nationality battle with Togo, joined the squad in Vienna this week. The 25-year-old has made 20 appearances for AJ Auxerre this season and offers a natural solution at right-back.

Addo noted that while midfield options are plentiful, the right-back position remains a concern heading into the World Cup.

"To be honest, we have a lot of options in the midfield with Elisha Owusu and Ibrahim Sulemana and the others. That's why he [Yirenkyi] predominantly plays there."

With Ghana set to face Germany on Monday, Senaya's integration will be closely watched as Addo seeks to address the defensive frailties exposed in Vienna.