Black Stars: Francis Abu undergoes successful surgey after injury against Japan

Black Stars midfielder Francis Abu has undergone surgery in Japan after suffering a severe injury during Ghana’s friendly defeat to Japan last Friday, the Ghana Football Association has announced.

🩺 Medical Update: Abu Francis 🚨



We are pleased to confirm that Abu Francis has successfully undergone surgery in Japan following his injury against Japan.



🔗 more on: https://t.co/F5q88ZGOGQ@AbuFrancis16 pic.twitter.com/BaCNFkYgjZ

— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) November 16, 2025

The Toulouse FC player fractured his ankle while attempting to clear the ball deep in his own half.

He collided unintentionally with an onrushing opponent, leaving him in visible distress before he was stretchered off and taken to the Toyota Memorial Hospital.

The 25-year-old has since completed a successful operation, coordinated by Black Stars medical chief Dr Prince Pambo in collaboration with Toulouse’s medical team and a group of Japanese surgeons.

Initial assessments indicate a double fracture of the right tibia and fibula.

Abu is expected to remain in Japan for about a week for monitoring and early-stage rehabilitation. A GFA physiotherapist has been assigned to stay with him to oversee his initial recovery process.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars have travelled to South Korea with a 21-man squad for their next international friendly.

Abu’s injury is likely to rule him out of next year’s 2026 World Cup, dealing a major blow to both club and country.