Sports News of Saturday, 5 October 2013

Source: Joy Online

Kevin injured, doubtful for Ghana-Egypt clash

Ghana are sweating over the fitness of key midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng for next week’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Egypt after he was forced off during a league match in Germany on Saturday because of injury.

The midfielder, who plays for Bundesliga side Schalke, suffered the injury just two days before he arrives in Accra to join the Black Stars to prepare for the first-leg of the clash against Egypt in Kumasi.

Boateng, who is expected to be one of Ghana’s key players in the match against Pharaohs scored in the 16th minute after converting a penalty.

It was his third goal in five Bundesliga appearance for Schalke since completing his shock move from AC Milan at the end of August.

But he was substituted in the 68th minute by youngster Meyer with what looked like a serious injury which could affect his chances of playing in the Ghana-Egypt match in Kumasi on ten days’ time.

The full extent of injury is not known however the decision to substitute him in the match has sparked fears for Ghana who are seeking an emphatic win in the first-leg to make the return match a formality.

The Black Stars squad has already been decimated by injuries to Rabiu Mohammed, John Boye and Jonathan Mensah and a serious injury to Boateng will further deplete the Ghana squad for the match.