The team doctor of Ghana’s national team Dr. Prince Pambo, has attributed the upsurge in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries to the increase in workload.
The prevalence of ACL injuries has recently become a pressing concern in football, particularly for the Ghana national team, the Black Stars.
This phenomenon is exemplified by the recent injuries sustained by two prominent Ghanaian players, Alidu Seidu and Fatawu Issahaku. Both of them suffered ACL injuries within just a week of each other.
Daniel-Kofi Kyereh struggles to regain full fitness after also picking up an ACL injury in 2023. The absence of these three players will have significant implications for the Black Stars as they prepare for the crucial 2025 World Cup qualifiers next year.
The ACL is a key ligament in the knee that provides stability during movement. Injuries to this ligament often occur during high-impact sports like football, where rapid changes in direction, jumping, and physical contact are common.
Historically, ACL injuries were relatively rare but have surged in frequency over the past few years. Dr. Prince Pambo explains that the increase in ACL injuries is largely due to the heightened physical demands placed on players today.
“What we have noticed is that the load players are exposed to have quadrupled compared to previous times. Players are now participating in more games and training sessions than ever before, which increases their risk of injury,” he told Flashscore.
The rise in ACL injuries has been alarming across football globally. Studies show that athletes are seven times more likely to sustain ACL injuries during competitive play than during practice sessions. The increasing sophistication of the game means players are required to exert more effort and perform at higher intensities, further contributing to this trend.
The recent cases of Seidu and Issahaku highlight this worrying pattern. Issahaku suffered his injury during Ghana’s AFCON qualifier against Angola, while running after the ball whereas Seidu on duty for Rennes landed awkwardly after an aerial
duel. Interestingly, since the start of the 2022/23 season, Fatawu and Seidu have played 89 senior games each for club and country. The proximity of both injuries has compounded concerns about player fitness within the national team.
Dr. Pambo expressed his dismay regarding these injuries: “ACL injuries are not something any player wishes for themselves or even for an enemy. When Fatawuhad his injured, it was heavy for everyone in the team.”
The nature of these injuries can significantly impact team morale and dynamics. An ACL injury means a year of no football as the road to recovery can usually be long and stressful. Dr. Pambo has called for mental health support for players facing such injuries.
“It is time for our medical team and sports psychologists to work with players on managing their mental health after such setbacks.”
With the football calendar becoming more congested, Dr. Pambo believes the best way to mitigate the risk of ACL injuries is to profile players during pre-season training to identify those predisposed to certain injuries.
“We monitor each player’s history and adjust training loads accordingly,” he explains. Additionally, he highlights concerns regarding playing poor surfaces of pitches, especially in Africa.
“The quality of pitches can also contribute to injury risk. Uneven surfaces can lead to twists around the knee that result in ACL tears.”
The absence of both Seidu, Issahaku, and to some extent, Kyereh will undoubtedly affect Ghana’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
After failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, it’s become ever imperative to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The Black Stars are currently second in Group I on goal difference with nine points from four games. Otto Addo’s team will next face Chad and Madagascar in March 2025.