Young Kotoko defender Shayibu Abubakar ruled out of Wydad clash

Asante Kotoko have been dealt a major blow after young defender Shayibu Abubakar sustained a serious knee injury during the team’s training session on Wednesday. The incident occurred when Abubakar collided with teammate Morifing Donzo in a challenge that left him in severe pain. The club’s medical team attended to him immediately before transferring him to Accra for further assessment.Subsequent MRI scans confirmed that the 20-year-old had suffered anterior cruciate, lateral, and collateral ligament tears, an injury expected to keep him out for a lengthy period.Abubakar had only recently returned from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for several weeks. Recognised as one of Kotoko’s promising young defenders, he will return to Kumasi to consult a specialist and decide on the next phase of his recovery.His absence means Kotoko will be without his services for their CAF Confederation Cup first-leg tie against Wydad Athletic Club at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon.