Majeed Waris Injury: Injured Striker Not in Starting Lineup Against USA, But Could Play Later in World Cup

Majeed Waris Injury: Injured Striker Not in Starting Lineup Against USA, But Could Play Later in World Cup
In this Nov. 19, 2013 file photo, Ghana soccer team poses prior to the start the World Cup qualifying soccer match between Egypt and Ghana at the Air Defense Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. Background from left: Kwadwo Asamoah, Michael Essien, Rashid Sumaila, Fatau Dauda, André Ayew and Jerry Akaminko. Foreground from left: Asamoah Gyan, Harrison Afful, Daniel Opare, Majeed Waris and Sulley Muntari. (AP Photo/Ahmed Gomaa, File)
Zachary Stieber
6/16/2014
Updated:
7/18/2015

Majeed Waris, a striker on Ghana’s men’s soccer team, is not on the starting squad for the Black Stars game against the USA on Monday, June 16.

Waris, 22, was injured during a friendly against South Korea earlier this month, limping off in the early minutes.

The Spartak Moscow player returned to training on June 14, reported Goal.com.

“Waris’ participation in the World Cup was in doubt after the injury, but his quick return to training will be a major boost to the technical handlers,” it reported.

Waris’ status isn’t entirely clear for the rest of the tournament--he could even come off the bench at some point against the USA--but an offiical update should be given later.

See an update via the Associated Press below.

Essien, Boateng out of Ghana lineup against US 

NATAL, Brazil—World Cup veterans Michael Essien and Kevin- Prince Boateng were left out of coach Kwesi Appiah’s starting lineup for their World Cup opening match Monday night against the United States.

Asamoah Gyan was set to lead Ghana as it tries to beat the U.S. for the third consecutive World Cup. Gyan scored the winning goal that sent the Americans home from South Africa in 2010.

According to a lineup released by the Ghana Football Association, there were four changes from the starting 11 that beat South Korea 4-0 in an warm-up game last week in Florida. Adam Kwarasey replaced Fatawu Dauda in goal, and Daniel Opare, Christian Atsu and Jordan Ayew were in for Boateng, injured forward Majeed Waris and defender Harrison Afful.

The U.S. lineup has not yet been formally announced.

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Lineups:

Ghana: Adam Kwarasey, Daniel Opare, Kwadwo Asamoah, Jonathan Mensah, John Boye, Rabiu Mohammed, Christian Atsu, Sulley Muntari, Jordan Ayew, Asamoah Gyan and Andre Ayew.