Celta Vigo confirmed on Thursday that Ghanaian defender Joseph Aidoo has undergone surgery after rupturing his Achilles tendon while on international duty. As a result, Aidoo is expected to be sidelined for an extended period, with an estimated absence of six to seven months.
This news represents a significant blow to both Celta Vigo and the Black Stars. The four-time African champions will be without the centre-back for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in November and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Aidoo sustained the injury during Ghana’s international friendly against Mexico, which ended in a 2-0 defeat. After just 27 minutes of play, Aidoo fell and was subsequently replaced.
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Although the injury didn’t initially appear to be serious, subsequent pictures showed Aidoo walking with the assistance of crutches. This prompted his early return to Spain and ruled him out of Ghana’s subsequent friendly against the United States, where they suffered a 4-0 defeat.
Celta Vigo’s head of medical services, Juan José García Cota, described the surgical procedure that was performed to address Aidoo’s injury, stating, “The intervention… consisted of the reconstruction of the tendon with reinforced suture and the application of growth factors.” The club conveyed its support and best wishes for Aidoo’s full recovery.
Aidoo’s absence is a significant setback for Rafa Benitez’s Celta Vigo side, as the defender had been influential, making six appearances already this season. Likewise, Black Stars coach Chris Hughton will be disappointed not to have Aidoo available for AFCON scheduled to kick off on January 13, 2024.