Christian Atsu to miss Ghana v Egypt, doubtful for Newcastle’s next match

Christian Atsu

Sunday Nov 12, 2017. 12:00

Christian Atsu has been ruled out of Ghana’s final 2018 World Cup qualifier against Egypt later today due to a thigh injury, and is a major doubt for Newcastle United’s next Premier League assignment.

The Black Stars will host the already-qualified Pharaohs in a dead-rubber clash in Kumasi, but they will do so without their flying winger.

Atsu picked up a thigh injury and pulled out of Ghana’s training in Kumasi on Wednesday. Further tests have confirmed that the 25-year-old has suffered a thigh muscle tear and is definitely out of contention for match against Egypt.

Tests have revealed that winger Christian Atsu will not play for #Ghana in Sunday's World Cup qualifier against Egypt. Team doctor says the scans show @ChristianAtsu20 suffered a thigh muscle tear. pic.twitter.com/rKUb61WZ2r
— Ghana FA �� (GFA) (@ghanafaofficial) November 10, 2017

This is bad news not just for the Black Stars, but also for Newcastle United. Atsu has been one of manager Rafa Bentiez’s more potent attacking players but looks set for a spell on the sidelines.

Atsu is a major doubt for the Magpies’ next Premier league match, a high-profile trip to old Trafford to face Manchester United on Saturday 18 November.

In other Ghana news, captain Asamoah Gyan has also been ruled out of today’s match due to injury, while Patrick Twumasi is doubtful after taking a knock to the ankle in a warm-up match against Glow Lamp Academy.