Ghana coach Kwasi Appiah has provided fresh updates on Black Stars duo Christian Atsu and Jonathan Mensah’s injuries suffered against Cameroon in the AFCON 2019 group F second match last Saturday, but appeared to play down fears of missing both player in the last group game against Guinea-Bissau tomorrow.
Atsu limped off the field on the 14th minute against the Indomitable Lions with what looked like a hamstring injury after a great run with the ball down the left wing in search of goal sent him to the ground after a challenge from an opposition player and Kwasi Appiah is unsure of the Newcastle United winger’s availability against the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau tomorrow.
On the other hand, Columbus Crew centre back Jonathan Mensah also picked up a knock in the said match but awaits a late fitness test to receive medical clear from team doctors following a scan along with Atsu. Jonathan, who earned a starting place against Cameroon after a bizarre red card to John Boye against Benin ruled the FC Metz star out, will need a late assessment after today’s training to maintain his place in the match against Guinea-Bissau tomorrow.
“They (team doctors) had to take a scan on Atsu and Jonathan Mensah who also had an injury, so we’ll have today’s training and we’ll be waiting for the report from the scan”, Kwasi Appiah told the press during the pre-match conference ahead of the last group match against the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday.
According the Black Stars boss, Atsu’s condition doesn’t “look too good” to guarantee him a place in his starting XI against the Djurtus per a hint from the team’s medical team, but remains hopeful of Jonathan who will need to pass a late fitness test to prove his availability for selection for the match on Tuesday.
“According to the doctor Atsu doesn’t look good but Jonathan we’ll have the training session today to assess his situation”, Appiah revealed.
The Black Stars have moved from Ismailia to Sues where they will play their last group F match against the Durtus of Guinea-Bissau at the Sues stadium. The four times champions of Africa, last in 1982, need a win at all cost to keep their hopes of ending their 37-year AFCON trophy wait alive.
