Issahaku, Seidu out of Ghana's World Cup qualifiers

Ghana's national football team, the Black Stars, are grappling with a worrying surge in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.

The Black Stars have been dealt a significant blow as a worrying surge of ACL injuries has sidelined key players, jeopardising their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

The latest casualties of this alarming trend are Alidu Seidu and Abdul  Fatawu Issahaku, both sidelined with ACL injuries within just a week and are ruled out for the remainder of the European season. 

Adding to the team’s woes, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh is still struggling to regain full fitness after suffering a similar setback in 2023. Their absence will be keenly felt when Ghana face Chad and Madagascar in March 2025.

The team’s doctor, Prince Pambo, voiced his concern over the growing prevalence of these injuries, describing it as a major issue for Ghana’s technical handlers.

Dr Pambo attributed the spate of injuries to the punishing schedules players endure, with heavy domestic and international commitments taking their toll.

The surge of ACL injuries has not only exposed the vulnerability of modern footballers but also raised serious questions about the physical demands placed on players.

Leicester City forward Issahaku sustained his injury during Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola in Luanda. Despite the pain, he played on, only to exacerbate the damage.

Surgery followed after his return to England, forcing him to withdraw from Ghana’s final AFCON qualifier against Niger in Accra last month.

Meanwhile, Seidu’s season-ending injury came in Stade Rennes’ narrow loss to Lille in Ligue 1 last week. The defender landed awkwardly after an aerial duel and was forced off after just 18 minutes. Both players face lengthy spells on the sidelines, further complicating the Black Stars’ preparations.

Troubling pattern

The cases of Issahaku and Seidu underscore a broader concern about player fitness. Since the start of the 2022/23 season, both players have featured in 89 matches for their clubs and country, a gruelling workload that Dr Pambo suggests has significantly heightened their risk of injury.

“In recent years, the workload on players has quadrupled compared to the past,” Dr Pambo told Flashscore. “They are participating in more games and training sessions, which increases their risk of injuries like ACL ruptures.”

Global epidemic

ACL injuries are on the rise in football, with studies showing athletes are seven times more likely to suffer such injuries during competitive matches than in training.

The growing intensity of modern football and the physical demands on players are widely recognised as contributing factors.

Dr Pambo revealed the emotional toll these injuries took on players and teams. “When Fatawu suffered his injury, it was heavy for everyone in the team. No player wishes for an ACL injury, not even for an enemy,” he lamented.

Solutions and concerns

To mitigate the risk of future injuries, Dr Pambo advocated tailored pre-season profiling of players to identify those more susceptible to such setbacks. “We monitor each player’s history and adjust their training loads accordingly,” he explained.

He also expressed concerns about the poor quality of pitches in Africa, which could exacerbate injury risks.

Additionally, the Ghanaian physician emphasised the importance of mental health support, acknowledging the psychological strain these injuries placed on players.