Ghana injury headaches ahead of Uruguay clash
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
JOHANNESBURG, June 29 (AFP): Ghana have injury and suspension headaches ahead of a World Cup quarter-final against Uruguay at Soccer City here Friday.
Star striker Asamoah Gyan joined the casualty queue after taking a knock at training near the north-west Sun City resort that serves as the base for the Black Stars.
"My ankle is a bit swollen but I do not think it is too serious. I will be ready for Uruguay," he assured reporters as he watched his team-mates practice with ice wrapped around the ankle.
Gyan from French club Rennes played a key role as Ghana became only the third African country after Cameroon and Senegal to reach the last-eight stage of the competition.
He scored the late winner against Serbia from a penalty, equalised against Australia from another spot kick and unleashed an extra-time thunderbolt that floored United States in the second round last weekend.
The only other Ghana scorer at the tournament, midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, is among those battling to be fit as Ghana look forward to huge backing from South Africans against Uruguay.
Star striker Asamoah Gyan joined the casualty queue after taking a knock at training near the north-west Sun City resort that serves as the base for the Black Stars.
"My ankle is a bit swollen but I do not think it is too serious. I will be ready for Uruguay," he assured reporters as he watched his team-mates practice with ice wrapped around the ankle.
Gyan from French club Rennes played a key role as Ghana became only the third African country after Cameroon and Senegal to reach the last-eight stage of the competition.
He scored the late winner against Serbia from a penalty, equalised against Australia from another spot kick and unleashed an extra-time thunderbolt that floored United States in the second round last weekend.
The only other Ghana scorer at the tournament, midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, is among those battling to be fit as Ghana look forward to huge backing from South Africans against Uruguay.