2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Jordan Ayew injury blow adds to Ghana's concerns ahead of Ivory Coast and Gambia games

Ghana captain Jordan Ayew is set to miss the Black Stars' opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after suffering a knee injury.

The Sheffield United forward reported to camp on Monday but did not take part in training. Further assessments on Tuesday morning, including a scan on his knee, confirmed that he will be unavailable for the upcoming international fixtures.

Ayew's absence is the latest setback for head coach Carlos Queiroz, whose preparations for the qualifiers have been disrupted by a series of withdrawals.

The Black Stars will also be without Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Abdul Rahman Baba, Alidu Seidu and Prince Kwabena Adu, all of whom have been ruled out for various reasons ahead of the international window.

At 34, Ayew remains one of Ghana's most influential and experienced players, having served the national team for more than a decade and captaining the side through several major tournaments.

His unavailability leaves Queiroz with another selection headache as he prepares for a crucial start to Ghana's AFCON qualifying campaign.

The Black Stars begin their Group C journey with a difficult away fixture against Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September.

Ghana will then return home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September before concluding the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.

The qualifiers carry added significance for the four-time African champions, who are seeking a return to the continental showpiece after failing to qualify for the most recent AFCON tournament in Morocco.