By Jonny Singer
Avram Grant's face said it all. As Jordan Ayew exchanged places with Asamoah Gyan, shortly before half-time in Ghana's group stage defeat by Egypt, the Black Stars manager had the air of a man who had gambled big, and lost.
Playing Gyan in a game that was essentially meaningless was a risk, particularly on a pitch that had already claimed at least six players to injury in five games. But the Israeli insisted Gyan needed game time, more miles in those legs. Now, having already lost his captain for the quarter-final against DR Congo, he may be without him for the semi-final clash with Cameroon.
Gyan was still not back in full training on Tuesday night, and with Thursday's fixture looming large, the worries are beginning to surface again. It may seem odd to those who watch English football, but not much of Ghana, that there should be such concern over Gyan.
His season at Sunderland was solid if unspectacular - 10 league goals in 31 league games is not a bad return for a player in their first season in English football - but since then he has somewhat slipped off the radar in this country.
Four seasons in the United Arab Emirates followed, one in China, and then a return to Dubai.
Some would suggest that Gyan has simply thought about his wallet, and as a serious football career it lacks gravitas.
But Gyan brushes off that criticism. He is very much his own man, complete with a striking dress sense, plenty of bling, and refusal to let the comments of others bring him down.
'It's part of the game,' he said after Ghana's win over Mali earlier in the competition. 'As I always say, you have to be strong mentally. If you believe in yourself you can achieve what you want to achieve.
'When you hear things from critics, it's really a good thing for you. Sometimes critics also make you stronger.
'Throughout my life I've been criticised by people and I've been able to overcome the stereotype. I've been successful in my life, and everything's going well for me.'
Things certainly have gone well when he plays for his country. The Ghana captain has continued to score goals everywhere he has played, and never fails to give his all for the Black Stars.
The defeat by Egypt was his 99th cap, and his goal in the previous game, which secured qualification for the last eight, was his 49th for his country, making him comfortably their record scorer.He is the leader, the goalscorer, the talisman.
Jordan Ayew may have played pretty well in this tournament so far, Christian Atsu and Thomas Partey may have won the man of the match awards, Andre Ayew may lead on goals, but Gyan is the most important member of the squad.
Without him, against Congo, Ghana were disjointed and lacked cutting edge in the first half, relying on a string of misses to stay level before eventually waking up after the break for the Ayew brothers to fire them into the last four. Cameroon may not be so generous if they play as badly again.
Grant himself insisted that without Gyan, the Black Stars are significantly weaker. 'We missed him because he is a top striker, very experienced and knows what to do at every stage in the game,' said the Israeli on Wednesday.
That is why this latest injury is such a big deal. Without Gyan, Ghana are a shadow of their true selves.
There is a decent chance that Gyan will start the semi-final, even if he is not fit. 'Why should we not give him the chance?' asked Grant, despite admitting that his star striker may not be ready.
The injury was first feared to have ended his tournament, and though scans have shown a smaller problem than first thought, it will be touch and go.
The Ghanaian press seem adamant Gyan will be available, but then there were similar noises before the quarter-final. But even if he does play on Thursday, you wonder if he will be at his very best.
As it is, he hands Grant another dilemma. Play Gyan against Cameroon on Thursday, and risk his fitness for a potential final, or leave him out, and risk defeat. 'Saving him for the third place play-off' will not go down well.
It is not a decision you sense Grant relishes, because another failed gamble could see his tournament, and Gyan's, come to a premature end.
Source: Daily Mail