Tariq Lamptey to miss six months due to ACL injury

Ghana’s Black Stars defender Tariq Lamptey has suffered a significant injury, tearing the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his left knee, Fiorentina announced, following their Serie A match against Como at the Artemio Franchi Stadium on Sunday.

This setback comes at an inopportune time, ahead of Ghana’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The 24-year-old was making his first start for Fiorentina since joining the Italian side in the summer. His promising night turned sour when the injury forced him off early, ruling him out for an estimated six months.

Lamptey’s injury rules him out for the remainder of the Serie A season and, more importantly, Ghana’s critical World Cup qualifying matches.

Lamptey has been a crucial member of Ghana’s national team this season, playing a key role in the team’s vital victory over Mali, which followed a shocking 1-0 defeat to Chad in September.

His pace and defensive solidity have been significant contributors to the Black Stars’ campaign, and his absence will be deeply felt by the team’s defensive options at this critical juncture.

Ghana is aiming to secure its fifth World Cup appearance in the upcoming tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and Lamptey’s absence will add pressure on the coaching staff to find an effective defensive replacement. The upcoming matches in Accra will be pivotal, and the Black Stars must adapt quickly to maintain their qualification ambitions.

The Black Stars must now regroup and strategize to overcome this setback and continue their quest for World Cup qualification.