John Mensah hopes to feature in Ghana's African Cup of Nations campaign next month despite injury threatening his participation.

Injuries have blighted the Black Stars defender's career in recent seasons, as he's been restricted to the sidelines more than on the field.

Mensah's latest bout with injury came just days before he was due to join his international colleagues at Ghana's camp in Nelspruit, South Africa where the national side has been preparing for the tournament.

Despite the frustration, the player who is line to lead Ghana to a second straight Nations Cup wants the niggling problems sorted out as he battles with time to be fit for the Black Stars' opening clash with Togo on January 11.

"I am happy to be with Sunderland, but I am very sad that I have not been able to play because of injuries.

"I don't understand why I have had so many injuries. I need the doctors to tell me why, and they are trying to find out what it is.

"I feel I can do well in the Premier League, and of course the African Nations Cup is a big goal for me and my country.

"The World Cup is also next year, so this should be exciting for me, but all I can worry about is why I keep suffering these injuries," Mensah said.

With time running out, Mensah appears to be looking for options as he holds out hope to still feature for Ghana at the tournament to be hosted by Angola.

"I could be out for three weeks now and I'm quite disturbed about the news," he said.

"I am still talking to the Ghana coach (Milovan Rajevac) to see how things will go for me. I will join the squad and hopefully play."