By Kwame Bediako
Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil is set to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March due to a quad injury.
The promising 26-year-old, who has quickly made a name for himself in Major League Soccer (MLS), is projected to be sidelined for approximately eight weeks. This injury raises significant concerns regarding his participation in the crucial fixtures for the Black Stars as they aim to secure their spot in the upcoming World Cup.
Paintsil’s absence will be felt deeply as he played a pivotal role in LA Galaxy’s success during his impressive debut season. His dynamic performances on the field earned him recognition and admiration, making him a key player for both his club and national team. With the World Cup qualifiers approaching, Ghana will be looking for strong contributions from all its players to ensure a successful campaign.
The injury has come at a particularly challenging time for the Black Stars, who are scheduled to face Chad and Madagascar in their upcoming matches. These fixtures are vital for Ghana as they seek to top their qualification group. Paintsil’s skill and experience would have been invaluable in these encounters, making his potential absence a significant blow to the team’s ambitions.
Moreover, Paintsil’s injury compounds the challenges facing LA Galaxy as they prepare for the new MLS season, which kicks off on February 23. The club is already grappling with injuries, including that of midfielder Riqui Puig, who is sidelined due to an ACL injury sustained late last season. The team will need to rally together and adapt to these setbacks as they aim to kick off the season on a strong note against San Diego.
