Dr. Prince Pambo, the team doctor for Ghana’s senior national football team, has shed light on the increasing prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among players, attributing the rise to packed training and match schedules.

Speaking to Flashscore, Dr. Pambo highlighted that the frequency and intensity of football-related activities have drastically increased in recent years, leading to a greater risk of injuries.

He noted, "What we have noticed is that the load players are exposed to has quadrupled compared to previous times. Players are now participating in more games and training sessions than ever before, which increases their risk of injury."

Recent injuries to key Black Stars players like Alidu Seidu and Fatawu Issahaku have raised concerns, as ACL injuries have become a common theme.

Dr. Pambo emphasized the significant impact these injuries have, not only on the players but also on the team's depth and performance.

"ACL injuries are not something any player wishes for themselves or even for an enemy," he said, recalling the heavy toll on the team when Issahaku suffered his injury.

To address the rising injury concerns, Dr. Pambo suggested a multi-faceted approach.

He emphasized the importance of mental health support, stating, “It is time for our medical team and sports psychologists to work with players on managing their mental health after such setbacks.”

Additionally, he highlighted the importance of monitoring each player’s injury history and adjusting training loads accordingly to prevent overexertion.

Dr. Pambo also pointed out that the quality of playing surfaces is a contributing factor.

"The quality of pitches can also contribute to injury risk. Uneven surfaces can lead to twists around the knee that result in ACL tears," he explained.

As the issue of ACL injuries continues to affect players, Dr. Pambo’s insights point to the need for careful management of training loads, player wellness, and the quality of playing environments to help mitigate the risk.