Black Stars solid centre-back Nicholas Opoku could miss Ghana clash against Qatar in Turkey
Black Stars defender Nicholas Opoku reportedly doubtful ahead of Ghana clash against Qatar in tomorrow evening.
The 22-year-old sustained an injury in the Black Stars disappointing 3-0 defeat against Mali last Friday. Opoku hobbled off in the 79th minute after he went in for a tackle against Mali forward Lassana Coulibaly. .
The medical team of the Black Stars led by Prof. Dr Chris Adomako is currently working to get him back to full fitness. Ghana will play against the Asian Champions Qatar in a friendly game at the Titanic sports complex in Antalya.
A statement from the GFA reads, “Ghana defender Nicholas Opoku is not likely to feature in Monday’s game against Qatar after suffering a bruised muscle in his right leg in Friday’s 3-0 loss to Mali.”
“Opoku hobbled off in the 79th minute after he went in for a tackle against Mali striker Coulibaly Lassana and was replaced by Joseph Aidoo.”
Celta Vigo defender Aidoo, Hoffenheim man Kasim Adams Nuhu, France-born Alexander Djiku or Amiens team-mate Emmanuel Lomotey could slot into Opoku’s position in CK Akonnor’s starting XI against Qatar should the former Berekum Chelsea ace lose his fitness battle.
Looking to cement a regular place in the national set-up, the latest injury could become the 23-year-old’s second major challenge to his international ambitions after he was forced to miss the African Cup of Nations in Egypt last year due to injury.
He returned to the Black Stars for a double-header against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe in November last year but watched both games from the bench.
Opoku’s French club Amiens will be keeping an eye on his situation in the Ghana camp, the centre-back being a key member of their squad in their push for elite division promotion.
Signed on loan from Seria A outfit Udinese in August, he has featured in all league games played since his arrival at the second tier fold.
After the international break, Amiens face Grenoble in their next game, with hopes of having Opoku back in action.
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