Laryea Kingston, a former Ghana international, expressed hope for the Black Stars’ chances at the World Cup but cautioned that rising injury concerns could jeopardize their North American campaign.

Kingston stated a clear expectation for Otto Addo’s team before the tournament.

“For me, I don’t really expect anything more than for us to go through the group stage. I’ll be happy for us to go through the group stage,” he said. His confidence stems from the team’s continuity, noting, “Otto Addo has been with these players for some time, and I am told that they now understand themselves.”

Still, concern tempers Kingston’s optimism.

He noted that player injuries could be a problem and said the fitness of key players would be crucial. “If Otto Addo can get his trusted players healthy, then we can achieve something”.

Several key players are injured, including West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, Southampton’s Mohammed Salisu, Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey, and defenders Francis Abu and Abdul Mumin.

Ghana, placed in Group L with Panama, England, and Croatia, hopes to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since 2010. Their campaign starts against Panama in Toronto on June 17, followed by a match against England in Boston, and finishes with a game against Croatia in Philadelphia.

As the tournament approaches, ensuring these vital players are at their peak and part of Addo’s strategy is as important as any tactical planning for the Black Stars’ chances of advancing.