Appiah To Miss Nations Cup?

Ghana national football team captain, Stephen Appiah, could miss the African Cup of Nations which takes off in Accra on January 20 2008.

The 26-year-old is expected to undergo surgery for a potentially career-threatening injury that will keep him out of action for at least three months, according to an article on the official site of Fenerbache, entitled "Appiah Shocker".

The Turkish club has been running tests on the midfielder, throught this year, on a recurring knee condition to determine the cause and treat it.

Appiah has not been himself the whole of this season, since returning from an operation. He struggled to gain a regular first-team place for his club. Then he had a poor four-nation tournament in Accra, in November, and has not played for his club since.

According to a translation obtained from the soccer forum:
"This condition has been bothering him this whole seaon, they tried fixing but relapsed thus preventing him from playing, They are saying this MIGHT end his football career because its a big and dangerous risk to have him continue playing football. Blood is not getting to some veins of one of his already operated legs . His system, lungs especially is not functioning right, this is serious!. They are however still doing serious tests and treatment to fix this condition which they think is genetically bestowed on him."

Stephen's statement on Injury Rumours

(Ghanasoccernet.com) It is important that I update everybody especially fans of Ghana and Fenerbahce about my current state as far as my health is concerned.

As you might have noted, I have not played for my club since I returned from the four-nation tournament in Ghana last month. I have to say that I have had some complications from the injury that kept me out of action for five months.

There have been some rumours that I will be out of action for six months but I want to assure everybody that that is not the case.

I have had several tests and meetings with my doctors here in Turkey over the past 48 hours and there has been nothing conclusive. I am actually feeling very fine physically.

However, I am travelling to Italy on Thursday to meet another specialist in this area for further analysis. After the meeting I will give you the full update on my condition.

I want to thank the people here at Fenerbahce and the fans for their support. I want my fellow countrymen and women to know I will do all it takes to be available for Ghana when the African Cup of Nations starts.

I really want to help my country win the trophy on 10th February. I also want to thank the Ghana Football Association and the coaches for their support throughout thisperiod.

I want to assure my colleagues in the national team that they should not be worried. I need your support and prayers at this time.
Thank you.
Stephen Appiah