Ghana star Abu Francis heartbreakingly suffered a horrific injury during a friendly against Japan on Friday.
Francis, 24, was playing for his country for the seventh time as Otto Addo’s side continued their preparations for next summer’s World Cup after qualifying for the tournament last month.
However, midway through the second half disaster struck when the midfielder attempted to block a shot from Leeds United’s Ao Tanaka.
As Francis got in the way, Tanaka slammed into his ankle with his follow through instead of the ball, leaving Francis’ foot completely twisted and out of place.
That left Francis, who plays for Toulouse, writhing on the floor in pain, with reports suggesting his screams echoed around the Toyota Stadium in Nagoya.
Players from both sides were left shocked and quickly called for medical attention, which included Tanaka urging for a stretcher to be brought on to the pitch.
Ghana star Abu Francis suffered a horrific injury during his side’s friendly against Japan
As Francis tried to block a shot, his foot became twisted and ended up completely out of place
Francis, who was making his first Ghana appearance in six months, was subsequently carried off on a stretcher and replaced by Alidu Seidu.
Tanaka was later substituted in the 68th minute of the match and immediately went over to the Ghanaian bench and apologised, despite Francis’ injury being a freak incident.
Japan went on to win the match 2-0 through goals from former Liverpool star Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan.
Speaking after the game, Ghana boss Addo provided an update on Francis, who joined Toulouse from Cercle Brugge in the summer.
‘First of all, I’m very worried,’ he said. ‘We had a very serious injury. These things happen in football, but this… it was really, really bad. I’m just praying it’s not as serious as it looks.’
Ghana’s Football Association later released a statement which read: ‘The Ghana Football Association wishes to inform the public that Abu Francis is in stable condition following his injury in Friday’s Kirin Challenge Cup match against Japan.
‘Abu was taken to Toyota Memorial Hospital after receiving emergency treatment at the stadium.
‘The Black Stars medical team, led by Dr. Prince Pambo, the team doctor of FC Toulouse, and the doctors at Toyota Memorial Hospital have consulted extensively and agreed on a suitable treatment plan for the player.
Francis’ club Toulouse sent a heartfelt message to their midfielder on social media
The unfortunate incident came as Francis (No 19) attempted to block Ao Tanaka’s (No 17) shot
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
‘The Ghana Football Association wishes to thank Ghanaians for their support and outpouring of solidarity during this unfortunate incident. The Association will update the public on the next steps for the player’s surgery and recovery plan in the coming hours.
‘The Ghana Football Association wishes Francis Abu a speedy recovery.’
Toulouse also sent their well-wishes to the midfielder on social media.
Posting on Instagram, they said: ‘The images are terrible and we’re sending all our thoughts and strength to you Francis! The whole club will be by your side to overcome this ordeal.
‘We will be by your side to help you recover as quickly as possible (for the) Black Stars.’
