Prince Adu Kwabena becomes major doubt for Ghana’s AFCON qualifiers against Cote d’Ivoire and Gambia

Black Stars forward Prince Adu Kwabena is a major doubt for Ghana’s upcoming international assignments after suffering a head injury in Viktoria Plzen’s defeat to Slavia Prague on Sunday evening.

The 22-year-old was introduced in the 71st minute as Plzen pushed for a late winner after starting the Czech First League encounter on the bench.

However, his appearance was cut short in the closing stages after he went down in the 90th minute and required immediate attention from the medical team.

Although Adu Kwabena initially received treatment on the pitch, he was unable to continue and was substituted four minutes later, with the forward eventually leaving the field on a stretcher.

The incident has now cast uncertainty over his availability for Ghana’s next round of international fixtures, with the Black Stars set to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign later this month.

Plzen yet to determine extent of injury

Viktoria Plzen head coach Radoslav Kovac admitted after the match that the club was yet to establish the severity of Adu Kwabena’s injury.

“I don’t have any information yet. Hopefully it won’t be anything serious, but I haven’t spoken to the doctors yet,” Kovac said.

The forward’s condition is expected to become clearer after further medical assessment, with the results likely to determine whether he can join up with the national team.

Adu Kwabena has been included in Carlos Queiroz’s 24-man squad for Ghana’s upcoming fixtures, making his latest setback a concern for the Black Stars’ technical team.

Ghana face busy international schedule

Ghana are scheduled to face Côte d’Ivoire and Gambia in their opening 2027 AFCON qualifying matches before taking on Morocco in an international friendly.

The three fixtures form part of Queiroz’s first competitive assignment since taking charge of the Black Stars and come at a time when the squad is already facing a change.

Mohammed Kudus has communicated his decision to withdraw from the squad, reducing the number of players available for the upcoming matches.

Adu Kwabena’s injury could therefore create another selection issue for Queiroz, depending on the outcome of the medical examinations.

The forward will now be monitored closely by both Viktoria Plzen and Ghana’s medical team as the Black Stars prepare for their September fixtures.