Antoine Semenyo withdrew from Ghana’s squad for the September–October international window because of a swollen leg, Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku has confirmed.
The Manchester City attacker was originally selected by head coach Carlos Queiroz for Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, as well as the friendly against Morocco.
However, Semenyo remained in England to receive treatment after discussing his condition directly with Queiroz. His absence was a major setback for a Black Stars attack already missing several influential players.
Semenyo Has a Swollen Leg
According to Okraku, Semenyo informed the Ghana coach that his leg was swollen and required treatment. The forward was prepared to travel if the Black Stars’ medical team wanted to conduct an independent assessment.
Okraku recalled Semenyo telling Queiroz: “If you need me, I will come down for the medical team to re-examine me.”
However, the GFA decided it was unnecessary to ask the player to travel to Ghana for an MRI when the injury had already made him unavailable for the matches.
The decision allows Semenyo to continue his treatment and recovery in England, with the hope that he will be fully fit for both Manchester City and Ghana during the next international window.
Withdrawal Was Agreed With Carlos Queiroz
Semenyo’s withdrawal was not a decision taken without consulting Ghana’s technical team.
Okraku confirmed that the player spoke directly with Queiroz and explained the condition of his leg. Ghana’s coach and football authorities then considered whether bringing him into camp would provide any practical benefit.
The GFA president also defended Semenyo’s honesty and commitment to the Black Stars. The attacker was willing to report for another medical examination, but the association believed that travelling while injured would interrupt his recovery without making him available for selection.
Reports describe the problem as swelling around his leg or ankle, but neither Ghana nor Manchester City has announced a detailed diagnosis or a confirmed recovery date. It would therefore be premature to suggest exactly when he will return to competitive action.
Injury Comes During Impressive Manchester City Form
The timing of the injury is frustrating for both Ghana and Manchester City because Semenyo had been enjoying an excellent run of form.
He had featured in every Manchester City fixture this season before the international break, contributing two goals and three assists. His latest performance included two goals and an assist in City’s entertaining 5-3 victory over Sunderland.
That form made him one of the players expected to lead Ghana’s attack during the AFCON qualifiers.
Semenyo’s power, direct running and ability to play across the front line provide qualities that are difficult to replace. Without him, Queiroz must depend on other attacking options to provide the Black Stars with pace and a consistent goalscoring threat.
Ghana Feel Semenyo’s Absence Against Côte d’Ivoire
The Black Stars opened their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign without Semenyo and suffered a 2-0 defeat against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké.
Malick Yalcouyé scored shortly before half-time before Franck Kessié converted a second-half penalty. Ghana struggled to create clear opportunities and recorded only one shot on target.
Although one player cannot solve every attacking problem, Semenyo’s absence reduced Ghana’s ability to carry the ball forward, attack space behind the defence and compete physically with the Ivorian back line.
The Black Stars must now respond when they host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29. They will then travel to Tangier to face Morocco in a friendly on October 4.
Why Ghana Allowed Semenyo to Remain in England
The decision appears to have been based on player welfare rather than any disagreement between Semenyo and the national team.
Ghana’s options were straightforward:
- Ask Semenyo to fly to Ghana for another medical assessment despite the swelling.
- Allow him to remain with Manchester City and continue receiving treatment.
- Protect his recovery and target a return during the next international window.
The GFA selected the third option after considering the information provided by the player and his condition.
Okraku suggested that forcing Semenyo to travel for an MRI, only to send him back because he could not play, would not have helped the Black Stars or Manchester City.
When Could Antoine Semenyo Return?
No official return date has been announced.
The severity of the problem and Semenyo’s response to treatment will determine when he can resume training and competitive football. Manchester City’s medical staff will likely monitor the swelling before deciding whether he is ready for the club’s upcoming fixtures.
For Ghana, the priority will be having Semenyo fit for the next international window rather than risking a more serious problem by rushing him back.
His willingness to report for another examination also indicates that he remains committed to representing the Black Stars. The withdrawal was a medical decision designed to protect his fitness, not a refusal to join the national team.
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