Black Star Insights: Sports Physio Encourages Ghanaian Players to Remain Patient During ACL Recovery

Historically infrequent, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, with rare instances such as Michael Essien’s career, have surged alarmingly among Ghanaian footballers since 2023.

The latest player to fall victim is Ernest Nuamah, who joins a disturbing roster that includes Daniel-Kofi Kyereh, Fatawu Issahaku, Alidu Seidu, Baba Iddrisu, and Abdul Mumin.

Together, these six athletes account for over 115 caps for the national team, underscoring the seriousness of this crisis and the immediate need for a more refined approach to injury management and rehabilitation.

Richard Evans, a sports physiotherapist formerly with Right to Dream Academy, attributes this increase to the growing congestion in the global football calendar.

“We’ve seen a rise in overall injury trends, which I believe corresponds with the current global calendar. The financial aspects of the game have become paramount.”

While ACL injuries are categorised under the same medical umbrella, Evans points out their complexity and individuality; recovery times are not uniform.

“Each ACL injury, despite being classified the same, manifests uniquely with varying factors. It might involve contact, non-contact, or even slight contact that leads to landing issues.”

In terms of rehabilitation, Evans advocates for a patient-focused approach, driven by achieving specific milestones rather than arbitrary timeframes.

“Proper rehabilitation is determined by meeting set markers to progress to the next phase. It should not be dictated by time,” he clarified.

“When an injury occurs, the immediate question is usually, when can I return? My response is always, it depends. If everything goes smoothly with no setbacks, nine months is a reasonable target.

“However, I often say it could extend to 12 months because you want to ensure you’re genuinely ready to return.

“Going back before you’re prepared can increase the risk of re-injury.”

This viewpoint resonates with recent research highlighting the necessity of individualised, person-centred rehabilitation plans that prioritise both physical and psychological readiness before athletes return to competitive sport.

The former physio for Right to Dream warns that physical recovery is just a part of the puzzle, with psychological preparedness being equally vital in preventing re-injury.

“In addition to physical factors, mental considerations such as anxiety and fear of re-injury are significant. If these fears linger when a player returns, it increases the risk of re-injury—not necessarily of the same ACL, but potentially of other injuries,” he stated.

“You often see this when players start to protect themselves because of a lack of confidence; they aren’t fully engaged in the moment, which can lead to new injuries.”

Research indicates that fear of re-injury and a diminished confidence in one’s knee are among the most critical psychological barriers preventing a successful return to sport. Athletes who feel calm and assured about their knees are more likely to recover fully and avert further injuries.

The ongoing ACL crisis in Ghanaian football calls for a comprehensive response. While increased physical demands and congested schedules contribute significantly, it’s crucial to also assess training techniques, pitch conditions, and injury prevention measures. For dedicated Ghanaian football fans, watching promising young talents sidelined by injuries is a source of deep frustration.

Black Star Watch is a captivating weekly column authored by Owuraku Ampofo, a skilled sports journalist with over five years of experience focusing on Ghanaian players. This column aims to identify trends, address critical issues, and shine a light on emerging topics related to Ghanaian footballers.