Left-back Gideon Mensah has been ruled out of Ghana’s upcoming AFCON qualifier against Madagascar due to a knee injury he sustained in the course of the season.
The Black Stars began their preparation towards the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Madagascar yesterday with Gideon Mensah and Thomas Partey conspicuously missing from the team.
The AJ Auxerre left-back reported to camp later in the day and was assessed by the medical team over a knee injury that was picked up in the course of the season. He has since been excused from camp.
According to the medical team’s head, Dr. Prince Pambo, the decision was taken to prevent any aggravation of the injury.
“Gideon picked up a knee injury during the season but his club managed him conservatively until the end of the season. Upon assessment in camp on Monday, we decided to excuse him from this game in order not to aggravate the injury.”
Dr. Pambo added that the break would be an opportunity for him to recover ahead of the following season.
“We expect him to have enough rest during the break to be able to recover on time for next season.”
The only left-back available due to Gideon Mensah’s unavailability is Patrick Kpozo, who is yet to feature for the Black Stars. The Black Stars will continue their training at the Accra Sports Stadium until Thursday, before departing for Madagascar on Friday.
The penultimate qualifier against Madagascar is scheduled for Sunday, June 18, at the Stade Kianja Barea in Antananarivo. A win would guarantee Ghana’s participation in the next AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast.
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Story by | Rashad Usman Sinah | universnews.ug.edu.gh
