Ghana’s World Cup hopes may yet receive an unexpected boost, with Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Ernest Nuamah and Abdul Mumin all pushing for dramatic returns after lengthy injury layoffs, just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With the Black Stars reeling from the confirmed absences of key figures such as Mohammed Kudus and Mohammed Salisu, both ruled out of the tournament, the trio’s resurgence offers head coach Carlos Queiroz a timely selection rethink.
That setback, however, has opened the door for a trio of comeback stories that could reshape Ghana’s final 26-man squad.
Kyereh’s return is perhaps the most remarkable. The 30-year-old midfielder has endured nearly three years on the sidelines after suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in February 2023, requiring multiple surgeries and testing his resolve to the limit.
Now back in action with SC Freiburg II, he is steadily rebuilding, having featured for 113 minutes across four matches since his return, including an assist on his comeback appearance last week.
Capped 18 times and part of Ghana’s squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the former midfield playmaker during the reign of former coach Otto Addo, has made no secret of his ambition — but insists it must be on merit.
“Yes, I do,” he told Joy Sports when asked about his World Cup ambition. “That is another dream and goal I am striving for. I believe in it.”
Nonetheless, the midfielder struck a measured tone, insisting he will not chase selection at the expense of performance. He remains grounded after a recovery journey that nearly forced him out of the game, a period he credits Stephen Appiah for helping him navigate.
“I don’t want to go to the World Cup just to be part of it if I cannot really help the team or have the impact like before,” he added.
“My aim is that before the World Cup, I can have one or two games where I can play the full minutes available.”
While Kyereh rebuilds steadily in Germany, Nuamah has taken a significant step forward in France. The 22-year-old winger made his long-awaited return for Olympique Lyonnais last Sunday, coming off the bench in a 4-2 win over Stade Rennais after 391 days out with an ACL injury sustained in April 2025.
Though limited to a cameo, Nuamah showed flashes of his trademark pace and confidence — enough to signal that he could yet re-enter the World Cup conversation if he secures regular minutes in the coming weeks.
The young forward expressed his delight on social media, thanking fans for their support as he embarks on the final stretch of his recovery.
In defence, Mumin has also re-emerged as a potential solution to Ghana’s injury crisis at the back. The Rayo Vallecano centre-back ended a 13-month absence when he featured in his side’s 1-0 La Liga win over Espanyol on April 23 — his first competitive appearance after 418 days out with an ACL injury.
With Salisu unavailable, Mumin’s return could prove critical, offering depth and experience as he works towards full fitness.
Collectively, the trio’s resurgence presents a rare silver lining for Ghana at a time when injuries threaten to derail their campaign before it begins.
With the tournament approaching, the coming weeks will be decisive, not just in proving fitness, but also in convincing the technical team they can deliver on the biggest stage.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh