Ghana and Toulouse midfielder Abu Francis has successfully undergone surgery in Japan following the severe injury he suffered during Friday’s international friendly against the Blue Samurai.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced on Sunday, November 16, 2025, that the operation was completed without complications, and the player has already entered the acute phase of rehabilitation.
The procedure—performed at Toyota Memorial Hospital—was coordinated by Dr. Prince Pambo, head of the Black Stars medical team, in collaboration with Toulouse FC’s medical staff and a team of Japanese specialists.
🩺 Medical Update: Abu Francis 🚨
We are pleased to confirm that Abu Francis has successfully undergone surgery in Japan following his injury against Japan.
🔗 more on: https://t.co/F5q88ZGOGQ@AbuFrancis16 pic.twitter.com/BaCNFkYgjZ
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) November 16, 2025
Francis, 24, fractured two bones after an awkward twist while attempting to block a shot early in the second half. He was stretchered off the pitch as visibly distressed teammates reacted to the gruesome nature of the injury.
According to the GFA, one of its physiotherapists will stay behind in Japan to support Francis through his intensive early-stage recovery programme. The association has also arranged for a GFA official to accompany him back to France once he is discharged.
Francis, who joined Toulouse this season from Cercle Brugge, earned a recall for the November international window after missing Ghana’s September and October World Cup qualifiers. His spell on the sidelines is expected to be lengthy, given the extent of the damage.
Japan won Friday’s match 2-0, with the Black Stars of Ghana scheduled to face South Korea on November 18.
