Leicester City forward Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has been left out of Ghana’s squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali.
The 21-year-old suffered a serious setback in November 2024 when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament while playing for the Black Stars in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola.
The injury sidelined him for the rest of the 2024/25 season.
Issahaku recently returned to competitive action with Leicester City and even netted a sensational winner on Saturday, August 23, 2025, against Charlton Athletic in the Championship.
However, he has only managed three competitive appearances in the last eight months, prompting Ghana’s technical team to tread carefully.
His omission from the Black Stars squad rattled many fans, who felt it was unfair considering his recent return to form.
But according to the GFA’s Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, the decision was purely precautionary.
“As for Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Otto Addo and his team are pleased to see him back in action. The medical teams from Ghana and Leicester City have had extensive discussions about the player and have decided to give him time,” he said.
Twum also revealed that one of the main concerns is the nature of the playing surface in N’Djamena, where Ghana will face Chad.
“One reason for this cautious approach is that the upcoming match’s AstroTurf pitch in N’jamena may not be suitable for Issahaku’s return following his recent ACL injury,” he added.
Given his long layoff and the risks associated with rushing him back too soon, Otto Addo has chosen to keep the winger out of the double-header against Chad and Mali.
The Black Stars, however, will still line up with several key names, including Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams and Gideon Mensah.
First-time call-ups Derrick Arthur Kohn of Union Berlin and Caleb Yirenkyi of FC Nordsjaelland headline the squad, alongside returns for Kamaldeen Sulemana, Elisha Owusu and Tariq Lamptey.
Ghana will face Chad on September 4, 2025, before taking on Mali on September 6, 2025, as Otto Addo’s men aim to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
