World Cup: Kurt Okraku worried about Ghana’s injury woes

Ghana Football Association [GFA] president, Kurt Okraku has expressed worry about the injury situation that has rocked the senior men’s team in the last few months.

The Black Stars will be heading to its fifth FIFA World Cup without key defender Salisu Mohammed and midfielder Francis Abu who have picked up serious injuries.

🎥 “I’m very concerned about the number of players in the medical room but everything is possible.”- GFA President, Kurt Okraku reacts to injured Black Stars players ahead of the 2026 World Cup. 🇬🇭#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/dOv07QNswb

— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) February 19, 2026

Salisu ruptured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament in Monaco’s 3-1 loss to Olympique Lyon and he is required to stay out of competitive action for nine months while Abu Francis broke his leg during Ghana’s international friendly against Japan in November.

Ghana is paired against Panama, Croatia and England

Aside from the duo, Tottenham Hotspur forward Mohammed Kudus is treating a hamstring injury and is on the verge of a quick return before the FIFA World Cup.

In an interview with Ghanafa.org, Kurt Okraku expressed worry but remained confident of Ghana assembling a good squad for the tournament.

“I am concerned and everybody is concerned about the number of players in the medical room as we speak now but I am a very positive person.

I always believe that everything and anything is possible and our job is to work as much as we can, our job is to pray as much as we can for God to bless us and we leave the rest to him.

“We will do our part and we know our part will be enough to make Ghana proud.”

Head coach Otto Addo’s might be boosted by the return of Lyon winger Ernest Nuamah who has made a steady recovery from an Anterior Cruciate Ligament but it is unlikely Freiburg forward, Daniel Kofi Kyere will make the cut after struggling to recover from an injury he sustained since 2023.

Abdul Mumin of Rayo Vallecano is out with a knee injury he picked up against Sevilla and will miss the rest of the season while Fiorentina right-back, Tariq Lamptey is racing against time to be fit for the mundial.

Ghana is paired at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Group L with CONCACAF representatives Panama and European sides Croatia and England for the tournament to be co-hosted by Canada, USA and Mexico.

Black Stars Injury Crisis Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

The Black Stars injury crisis ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has become a major talking point in Ghanaian football circles. Two crucial players — defender Mohammed Salisu and midfielder Francis Abu — have been ruled out after sustaining serious injuries.

Salisu suffered a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) during AS Monaco’s 3-1 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais. The injury requires surgery and a recovery period of approximately nine months, effectively ending his hopes of featuring at the World Cup.

Francis Abu, on the other hand, broke his leg during Ghana’s international friendly against Japan in November. His rehabilitation timeline also makes participation in the tournament highly unlikely.

Beyond the duo, Mohammed Kudus of Tottenham Hotspur is currently managing a hamstring issue. However, there is optimism that he will recover in time to be available for selection.

Kurt Okraku Reacts to Ghana’s Injury Worries

Addressing the injury concerns, Kurt Okraku did not hide his anxiety about the number of players currently sidelined.

“I am concerned and everybody is concerned about the number of players in the medical room as we speak now,” Okraku said.

Despite the setbacks, he emphasized faith and resilience, stating that Ghana will do everything possible to assemble a competitive squad capable of making the nation proud.

“I always believe that everything and anything is possible. Our job is to work as much as we can and pray as much as we can for God to bless us. We will do our part and we know our part will be enough to make Ghana proud.”

His comments reflect a blend of realism and belief, as the football community rallies behind the team during this challenging period.

Potential Boost for Black Stars Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

There is some positive news for head coach Otto Addo. Lyon winger Ernest Nuamah has made steady progress in his recovery from an ACL injury and could be available for selection.

However, concerns remain over other players. Daniel-Kofi Kyereh of SC Freiburg has struggled to regain full fitness after a long-term injury dating back to 2023, casting doubt over his inclusion.

Defender Abdul Mumin, who plays for Rayo Vallecano, is out for the remainder of the season following a knee injury sustained against Sevilla FC. Meanwhile, Tariq Lamptey of ACF Fiorentina is racing against time to be fit for the mundial.

Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Challenge

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside:

• Panama national football team

• Croatia national football team

• England national football team

The tournament will be co-hosted by Canada, United States, and Mexico.

Facing European heavyweights England and Croatia, alongside a competitive Panama side, Ghana will need depth, experience, and tactical discipline to progress beyond the group stage.

Can Ghana Overcome the Black Stars Injury Crisis?

The Black Stars injury crisis ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup presents a significant hurdle, but it may also open opportunities for emerging talents to step up. Squad depth will be critical, and Coach Otto Addo may need to rely on a blend of youth and experience to navigate the tournament.

While the absence of key defenders and midfielders weakens the team’s spine, Ghana has historically demonstrated resilience on the world stage. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether injured stars can recover in time and whether replacements can rise to the occasion.

As Kurt Okraku remains hopeful, the focus now shifts to preparation, rehabilitation, and tactical adjustments. With careful planning and a bit of fortune, the Black Stars could still shine brightly at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite their current setbacks.