Francis Abu’s Injury Update: Black Stars Midfielder Undergoes Surgery After Fracture in Japan Friendly
Ghana’s national team was rocked by a serious injury to midfielder Francis Abu following a tough 2-0 loss to Japan in the Kirin Challenge Cup on Friday, November 14. Abu, who plays for Toulouse in France, was involved in a collision with Japan’s Aoi Tanaka during the match, sustaining a double fracture to his tibia and fibula in the right leg.
The injury occurred when Abu attempted to block a shot from Tanaka. His leg was caught awkwardly, and the force of the impact caused the double fracture. The 24-year-old was immediately taken off the field, and medical staff quickly moved him to the Toyota Memorial Hospital in Japan for treatment.
Doctors confirmed the injury and performed successful surgery to repair the broken bones. Fortunately, the procedure went well, and Abu is expected to remain in Japan for at least a week for post-operative care.
The good news is that preliminary reports suggest Abu may return to playing sooner than initially expected. While the injury was initially feared to sideline him for 6-8 months, doctors are optimistic that his recovery could be quicker, potentially allowing him to resume playing in time for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
There has been constant communication between the medical teams of Abu’s club, Toulouse, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), and the Toyota Hospital to ensure the best care for the midfielder. A Black Stars medical team member is currently with Abu at the hospital to monitor his progress.
In a show of solidarity, top Ghana FA officials, as well as members of the Black Stars Committee, have visited Abu during his recovery. Their support reflects the team’s commitment to ensuring that the player gets back on his feet as soon as possible.
Once discharged, a senior member of Ghana’s technical team will accompany Abu back to France to continue his recovery and ensure he gets the proper post-operative care.
For now, Ghana will hope that Abu’s swift recovery will see him return to action for Toulouse and, more importantly, for the Black Stars as they aim for a successful campaign in the 2026 World Cup.