Ghana’s important match against the Central African Republic (CAR) in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers is set to be without Black Stars goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott due to an injury he suffered last week.
During his debut appearance for Hibernian in the UEFA Conference League qualification match against Andorran team Inter d’Escaldes, the 26-year-old goalkeeper was forced to be substituted off after just 18 minutes due to a thigh injury.
Although he had hoped to recover in time to defend his new club’s goal, Wollacott will need to remain sidelined for an extended period due to his injury.
“He’s had his scan but we’ve not had the surgeon’s review yet. More than likely, in a best-case scenario, it will be a muscle tear. In a worst-case scenario, it will involve a tendon as well. Minimum, from all the information I’ve got, he will be ruled out for six weeks, but it could be worse than that,” Lee James, the coach of Hibernian, said.
Black Stars coach Chris Hughton is anticipated to reveal the squad selection for Ghana’s last match in the AFCON qualifications against CAR, scheduled for September 7. The most recent update regarding Wollacott’s injury indicates that his return will be delayed, as he has already been absent from the 2022 World Cup and recent matches due to a finger injury.
To guarantee their qualification at the AFCON, which will be held in Ivory Coast next year, Ghana must avoid defeat against CAR.