Head coach Akonnor meets Christian Atsu as out-of-form star seeks Black Stars return

Black Stars head coach, C.K Akonnor, watched Christian Atsu in action for Newcastle in their FA Cup Replay win over Oxford.

Atsu did not start the game but came on in extra time and helped the Magpies secure a fifth-round spot.

He is the latest Ghanaian international visited by the Stars coach following similar trips to see Andre and Jordan Ayew, and Jeff Schlupp.

His interaction with Atsu, though not publicised will most likely revolve around the player’s current role in the Newcastle team and his future with the national team.

Atsu has not appeared for the national team since he picked up a hamstring injury in the Stars’ AFCON 2019 group game against Cameroon.

28-year-old Atsu has fallen out of favour under Steve Bruce and although he has made 18 appearances this season in the Premier League, only six of those have been starts.

His time at St James’ Park, at least for the rest of the season, appears to be nearing an end as the Magpies were keen to offload the Ghanaian to a number of other clubs including Blackburn Rovers, West Brom and Nottingham Forest.

Atsu, who first moved to the Premier League when he signed for Chelsea in the 2013-14 season spent time on loan at Everton and Bournemouth.

He then secured a permanent move to Newcastle in the 2017-18 season, helping the side gain promotion to the Premier League.

However, Atsu has had his career, which had been on a meteoric rise since he first came on the scene, stalled by injuries and loss of form.

The injury at AFCON 2019 which affected his preparations for the start of the season.

He has still managed three assists but is still without a goal this season.

 

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