The Columbus Crew are in the first weekend away from league play in a two-week international break. Unfortunately for head coach Caleb Porter’s team, that doesn’t mean the players are injury-proof. In a qualifying game for the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, defender and captain Jonathan Mensah left the field after a collision in the penalty area.
Ghana faced the Central African Republic in a first qualifying game and in 55e minute, the Central African Republic were awarded a free kick in the team’s attacking half. In a game tied 1-1, a cross was sent into the penalty area which Ghana easily cleared. In the penalty area, Central African Republic player Peter Guinari ran and collided with Mensah, interrupting the match.
After receiving treatment, Mensah was placed in an ambulance in the 1960se minute to receive further evaluation from healthcare professionals. At the time of publication, there is no update from the Ghana Football Association on the injuries sustained.
Over the past year, Mensah hasn’t seen much on the pitch for Ghana after being a fixture in the team’s defense for the past few years. Ghana nominated Mensah for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in the winter of 2022, but Mensah did not step onto the pitch. When Ghana faced Nigeria in the final round for the African World Cup qualifier, Mensah was not called up to play in the home-and-away game.
Sunday’s game is 70e cap for Mensah with the Black Stars. Meanwhile, Mensah played in the 2014 World Cup and was an important piece for Ghana.
With the Crew, Mensah has started every game of the 2022 season, playing alongside Josh Williams and newcomer Miloš Degenek at centre-back. Injuries have plagued both Williams and Degenek so far this season, making room one of the most fluid positions for the Black & Gold.
Elsewhere on the court, Columbus has a long list of current injury issues. Following Crew’s 2-1 win over Atlanta United, midfielder Artur, winger Yaw Yeboah and full-back Pedro Santos were each injured. Each player is expected to run out of time after the break, although Porter said there is a chance the trio could return sooner rather than later.
Additionally, midfielder Lucas Zelarayán received a three to five week recuperation for a thigh problem. Due to the addition to the roster, Zelarayán did not travel to face Atlanta United before the international break and subsequently missed his call-up to the Armenian national team.
There is no report from the Black & Gold as Mensah is still with Ghana while the crew is out of MLS play. If the injury results in an absence from the pitch, Williams and Degenek are the likely start pair, which will be a first for both in 2022.
