Black Stars and Toulouse FC midfielder Francis Abu has described as a “setback” the career-threatening injury he suffered last year during Ghana’s friendly against Japan in the 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup.
“Obviously it has been a setback,” he lamented in an exclusive interview with TV3‘s Michael Oti Adjei.
“I had moved to a new club, I wanted to help the team and the team wanted me. We both were disappointed,” the 24-year-old said, in what is his most candid reflection yet on the nightmare that unfolded last November.
Abu was stretchered off in the second half due to the injury with doctors at the Toyota Memorial Hospital, where he was rushed to, confirming two fractured bones.
The Ghana Football Association moved swiftly to cover the full cost of his surgery and all related medical bills, with GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum confirming the Association had assumed complete responsibility for the player’s care.
The player began gym work as part of his recovery process with the GFA stating that he was “doing extremely well and will get back to full fitness”.
Medical teams from Toyota Hospital, Toulouse FC, and the GFA — who established constant three-way communication — believe Abu’s recovery timeline could be shorter than the typical six to eight months associated with such fractures, potentially opening the door for a surprise return ahead of the 2026 World Cup in June.
He promised to work hard to merit a place in Otto Addo’s squad if he regains fitness.
” I know that if I work hard and, I am in good shape and compete with my team and fit on time, I think I can have the possibility to be on this team.
“So I don’t expect any gifts. I just want to focus on my physicality, be fit, be in shape and to be able to compete on this stage.”
