Ghana Black Stars head coach Otto Addo recently visited winger Ernest Nuamah in Lyon, France, as part of his ongoing series of player visitations to assess and support key squad members in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
The Olympique Lyonnais forward has been steadily progressing in his recovery from a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his left knee.
He sustained the injury in April 2025 during a French Ligue 1 match against Lille, where he was forced off just minutes into the game after a collision. The setback required surgery and ruled him out for an extended period, causing him to miss the remainder of the 2024/25 season and several months into the current campaign.
Despite the long layoff, Nuamah has shown encouraging signs of improvement in recent weeks. He has moved into the final stages of rehabilitation, including starting gym work to rebuild strength and mobility, and is expected to soon begin training with the ball, with a return to competitive action anticipated in the early part of 2026.
This timely progress represents a significant boost for both his club and the national team as they look ahead to major tournaments.
During the visit, Otto Addo spent valuable quality time with the young player, engaging in meaningful discussions about Ghana’s ambitious World Cup project and offering personal encouragement for his ongoing recovery.
Addo’s hands-on approach, which has included similar visits to other players like Mohammed Kudus and Abdul Mumin, underscores his commitment to building strong relationships within the squad and ensuring everyone remains motivated and aligned with the team’s goals.
Before the injury interrupted his momentum, Ernest Nuamah had already made a notable impact on Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. He featured in five matches for the Black Stars and contributed two crucial goals, demonstrating his speed, flair, and finishing ability on the international stage.
His potential return to full fitness could provide a major attacking lift for Ghana as they continue their preparations for the global showpiece event. Fans and the coaching staff alike will be closely following his rehabilitation, hopeful that the talented 22-year-old will soon be back challenging defenses at both club and country level.