Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz says Ghana must find a way to build the team around the available core of players as injuries continue to affect his squad.
Queiroz made the remarks during a press conference at the Media Centre of the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 21, 2026, where he addressed the injury situation ahead of Ghana’s upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Ivory Coast and The Gambia
The Portuguese coach revealed that the Black Stars have been severely affected by injuries, leaving him with limited options as he prepares the team for the AFCON qualifiers and an international friendly against Morocco
When I started this journey, at the beginning I looked at my paper and I had 12 players out of the potential call-ups immediately. This is not a good starting point,” Queiroz said.
He explained that the situation worsened just before the team’s preparations for their meeting with Côte d’Ivoire.
One day before you start camp for Ivory Coast, you lose eight players. This is not a good starting point,” he added.
The Black Stars coach acknowledged the challenge posed by the frequent absence of key players but stressed the need for the team to adapt to the circumstances.
We have to find one way to build the team around the core, the core of players that sustain the team,” Queiroz stated.
His comments highlight the extent of the injury challenges facing Ghana as the technical team works to maintain stability and competitiveness despite the unavailability of several players.
Queiroz will now be expected to rely on the available players and explore alternative combinations as Ghana continues its preparations for the upcoming international engagements.