Tariq Lamptey Suffers ACL Injury, Ruled Out of Black Stars’ World Cup Qualifiers
Ghana’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a major setback after defender Tariq Lamptey was ruled out with a long-term injury.
The Fiorentina full-back has been sidelined for at least six months following confirmation that he tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.
Lamptey sustained the injury on Sunday during Fiorentina’s Serie A encounter against Como at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. It was his first start for the Italian side since joining in the summer transfer window, but his evening was cut short just 22 minutes into the game.
Medical examinations conducted revealed the extent of the damage, ruling him out for the remainder of the year.
The 24-year-old’s absence is a significant blow to Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, who had counted on his versatility and defensive strength for the decisive World Cup qualifiers in October. Ghana face the Central African Republic in Morocco on October 8 before returning to Accra to host Comoros three days later.
With his injury, the technical team will be forced to explore other defensive options at a crucial stage of the qualification campaign.
