Christian Kouamé faces AFCON doubt after ACL injury

Ivorian striker Christian Kouamé has torn his right knee anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), effectively ending his season at Italian side Empoli. On loan from Fiorentina, the forward now risks missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco at the end of the year.

Empoli confirmed that the ACL injury to Kouamé occurred during the Italian Serie A game against Cagliari in their Round 31 encounter. The 27-year-old attacker started the tie but was replaced in the second half due to his severe injury. Since joining Empoli, the Ivorian has bagged a single goal in eight league appearances.

Empoli confirmed Kouamé successfully underwent corrective surgery in Rome. “Christian Kouamé underwent surgery to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee. The surgery, performed by Professor Pier Paolo Mariani at the Casa di Cura Villa Stuart in Rome, in the presence of the Italian medical staff, was a complete success.”

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations champion will need months to return to action. By the looks of it, Kouamé might miss the 2025 AFCON. However, Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé has overlooked the striker in recent times.