Jakarta:Antoine Semenyo's return to fitness ahead of Manchester City's upcoming match against Liverpool has reignited discussions in Ghana regarding his dedication to the national team, the Black Stars.
According to Ghana Web, the 26-year-old forward had previously withdrawn from Ghana's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia, citing a swollen leg that required treatment. Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku confirmed that Semenyo was transparent about his condition before leaving the team to focus on recovery.
Now fully fit, Semenyo is reportedly in contention to play in the major Premier League clash at Anfield. This quick recovery following the international break has led to mixed reactions among Ghanaian fans. Some question his commitment, noting the timing of his withdrawal followed by a swift return to club football.
The situation has sparked a debate on whether players who withdraw from international duty should clarify their fitness status when they resume club play. Some supporters defend Semenyo, arguing that his absence was justified by his physical condition and that recovering in time for club matches does not imply he was fit for the qualifiers.
This controversy comes at a challenging time for the Black Stars, who lost both of their initial AFCON 2027 qualifying matches. Before the break, Semenyo was in strong form, scoring twice in Manchester City's 5-3 victory over Sunderland and earning a nomination for the PFA Premier League Fans' Player of the Month for September.
Semenyo's potential participation against Liverpool has become a focal point in Ghana, intertwining with broader discussions about player commitment and the Black Stars' challenges.