2022 WCQ: Another injury blow for Black Stars

Ghana have suffered another massive injury blow ahead of the decisive 2022 World Cup playoff clash with Nigeria on Friday as Moldova-based midfielder Edmund Addo has been released from the squad due to injury according to reports from Ghana.

The decision to release the UEFA Champions League sensation means the tough tackler will also not be available for the Black Stars in the second-leg to be played in Abuja on Tuesday.

The FC Sherrif star arrived in Ghana with an injury (unspecified) he picked up playing for his club side at the weekend and thought he would recover in time for the two important matches.

The 21-year-old underwent an MRI on Wednesday in Kumasi and the result showed severe damage which means he will not be available for the game.

This comes as a massive blow for the Ghana coach Otto Addo who was planning to pack his midfield to prevent the Super Eagles from creating any chances in the first leg in Kumasi.

Addo is expected to travel to the Ghanaian capital of Accra on Thursday to see a specialist at Korle-Bu Teaching hospital.

Already, the Black Stars have been ravaged by injuries with the likes of Baba Rahman, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Samuel Owusu, Richmond Boakye-Yiadom sitting out this month's contest.

Addo popped up in Europe with some superlative displays for FC Sheriff in this season's  UEFA Champions League.

His consistent displays earned him a place in Ghana's squad for the delayed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations which was held in Cameroon this year.

This rules him out of selection for the first leg which will be played in Kumasi on Friday, 25 March 2022 and the return leg in Abuja four days later at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The winner of the tie will be in Qatar for the World Cup later this year.

Ghana are aiming for a fourth appearance after missing the 2018 edition in Russia, while Nigeria are hoping to qualify for a seventh.