Injury Woes: Twelve Players Miss Out on Black Stars Squad for World Cup Qualifiers
Ghana’s preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have been hit by a major setback, with twelve key players ruled out due to injuries.
The list includes some of the Black Stars’ most dependable names, leaving head coach Otto Addo with tough decisions ahead of their crucial fixtures against Chad and Madagascar.
Among the notable absentees are Alidu Seidu, Tariq Lamptey, Brandon Thomas Asante, Abdul Mumin, Joseph Aidoo, Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Baba Iddrisu, Ibrahim Sulemana, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Majeed Ashimeru, and Joseph Paintsil.
Each player is dealing with different degrees of fitness concerns, ranging from long-term injuries to minor setbacks:
- Alidu Seidu – Recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
- Tariq Lamptey – Out with an ankle ligament injury
- Brandon Thomas Asante – Nursing a muscle tear
- Abdul Mumin – Undergoing rehabilitation for ACL damage
- Joseph Aidoo – Sidelined with a muscle injury
- Abdul Manaf Nurudeen – Struggling with an ankle issue
- Abdul Fatawu Issahaku – On the road to recovery from an ACL injury
- Baba Iddrisu – Still in the recovery process
- Ibrahim Sulemana – Diagnosed with adductor tendonitis
- Daniel Kofi Kyereh – Dealing with a knee problem
- Majeed Ashimeru – Rebuilding fitness and needs more time for full recovery
- Joseph Paintsil – Suffering from a quadriceps injury
Despite the setbacks, the Black Stars remain focused on securing victories in their upcoming matches as they aim for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team will face Chad on March 21 at the Accra Sports Stadium, followed by an away fixture against Madagascar on March 25.
