Ghana defender Daniel Opare makes injury return in Portugal, eyes Black Stars call-up

Published on: 22 September 2014
Ghana defender Daniel Opare makes injury return in Portugal, eyes Black Stars call-up
Daniel Opare played for Porto in their match against Beira Mar

Portugal-based defender Daniel Opare has returned to action for giants Porto after returning from injury, boosting his chances of returning to the Ghana squad for next month's 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea.

The 23-year-old, who is recovering from an ankle injury he suffered while playing for the Black Stars at World Cup, played for their reserves side in their match on Sunday.

Opare started Porto B's match against Beira Mar which they won 2-0 but was substituted on 58 minutes as he is being slowly introduced to competitive matches.

His full recovery and gaining of form at the Porto B side will help him to fight for a place in their starting team and subsequent inclusion in their Champions League squad.

The 23-year-old versatile full-back along with Jose Angel and José Otávio have all been axed from the squad for various reasons.

Opare has not found his rhythm due to injuries since arriving at the Estádio Do Dragão from Belgian giants Standard Liege and as a result has been excluded from the squad.

Porto manager Lopetegui was briefed by the club’s medical team on the fitness situation of the Ghana international, revealing he would need considerable amount of time to fully return to training from his nagging knee problem. However, he could still be registered in the competition should Porto make it through the group stages of the competition.

The former Real Madrid Castilla player marked his debut in the Champions League in July 2011 after playing for Standard Liege in their third round qualifying 1-1 draw with Swiss side FC Zurich.

His injury situation forced Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah to withdraw him from his squad for the 2015 AFCON qualifying double-header against Uganda and Togo after initially naming him in his defence.

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