Baba Rahman leaves door open for Black Stars return

Ghana defender Baba Abdul Rahman has said he will return to international football but only after a sustained period of fitness.

In January, the PAOK left back announced his decision to take a an extended break from the national team, citing fitness confirms.

“In the interest of my career and that of the team, I believe it’s best to play when I don’t have to worry about recovery or pain. This way, I can consistently contribute my best to the team,” he stated.

He was subsequently omitted from Ghana’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

Rahman has not featured for Ghana again all year, and was thought to have closed the chapter on international football.

However, in a twist of events, Rahman, who was won 51 caps for Ghana since making his debut in 2014, has now opened the door to a possible return.

“Fans are asking me all the time to come back to play for Ghana but I think I need to take care of my health before everything right now,” Rahman told the BBC.

“People know about my injury history and it has really been a difficult few years. I just want to enjoy my club football again and then I know my international career will take off again too.”

Rahman has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, scoring five goals in eighteen appearances in all competitions.

His Black Stars teammates have endured contrasting fortunes, with Ghana perilously close to missing out on AFCON 2025.

The four-time African Champions are third in Group F with only two points and could miss out on the tournament if Sudan secure a point from their remaining two games.

In his assessment of the situation, the former Chelsea left-back was sympathetic to the Ghanaian course.

“I honestly think the guys have been a bit unlucky recently,” Rahman says.

“We have some really, really exciting young players in terms of what they can do on the ball and off the ball. We have good prospects too. I still have confidence in them.”