There were horrific scenes in Japan last night as Ghana’s Francis Abu was left with double fracture of his tibia and fibula.The Toulouse midfielder was making his seventh appearance for the Black Stars when blocking a shot from Leeds’ Ao Tanaka left his right foot facing backwards (warning, the images are not for the fainthearted).Abu’s right ankle was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and the consequences were horribleGettyPlayers from both teams were overcome with emotionGettyPlayers from both sides called for help during the friendly match and Abu was stretchered off after receiving lengthy on-pitch treatment.Leading French outlet L’Equipe claim that the 24-year-old remains under treatment at the Toyota Memorial Hospital due to the double fracture above his ankle.They add that he’s expected to have surgery on Saturday in Japan as it was ‘too risky’ to return to France for treatment.His club, Ligue 1 side Toulouse, had earlier given an update, saying Abu will be out for an extended period.They wrote: “Selected for Ghana to face Japan and South Korea during the international break, Francis Abu suffered a very serious injury that will keep him off the pitch for several months.“These are images we hate to see. Selected by Ghana’s “Black Stars” for friendly matches against Japan and South Korea, Francis Abu saw his season come to a premature end. “Suffering a terrible injury against Japan, our midfielder will be sidelined for several months. Very sad news indeed.“The entire club wishes you a speedy recovery, Abu. Stay strong and come back to us soon. We are all with you during this difficult time.”In a social media post, they added: “The images are terrible, and we send you all our strength and thoughts, Francis! The entire club will be by your side to help you overcome this!“We will be by your side to help you recover as quickly as possible.”Abu’s foot was instantly facing the wrong wayGettyHe was stretchered off after lengthy treatmentGettyAbu signed for Toulouse during the summer from Belgian Pro League side Cercle Brugge and was increasing in importance, playing eight out of their 12 games, seven as a starter.For his country he was picking up his seventh cap, and has already helped Ghana qualify for the 2026 World Cup.He won’t be missing the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco across December and January, as four-time continental champions Ghana remarkably failed to qualify for the first time since 2004.Ghana’s Football Association released a statement on the injury, which read: “The Ghana Football Association wishes to inform the public that Abu Francis is in stable condition following his injury in Friday’s Kirin Challenge Cup match against Japan. “Abu was taken to Toyota Memorial Hospital after receiving emergency treatment at the stadium. “The Black Stars medical team, led by Dr. Prince Pambo, the team doctor of FC Toulouse, and the doctors at Toyota Memorial Hospital have consulted extensively and agreed on a suitable treatment plan for the player.Abu will struggle to be back in time for the World CupGetty“The Ghana Football Association wishes to thank Ghanaians for their support and outpouring of solidarity during this unfortunate incident. The Association will update the public on the next steps for the player’s surgery and recovery plan in the coming hours. “The Ghana Football Association wishes Francis Abu a speedy recovery.”Tanaka, who was an innocent party in the injury, went to apologise to the Ghanaian bench and received praise from head coach Otto Addo.“I really appreciate that the player not only comes to our player to say sorry, but also me as a coach,” he said post-match.“We don’t take this kind of behaviour for granted. I think it’s a very, very good education here in Japan.”Discussing Abu, he added: “I know this can happen in football, but this is really, really serious. I’m praying for him.Tanaka went to apologise to the opposition managerGetty“To be honest, it doesn’t look good.”Japan have similarly also booked their spot at the World Cup in the Americas.Teams qualified for the 2026 World CupCo-hosts: Canada, Mexico, USA AFC: Australia, IR Iran, Japan, Jordan, Korea Republic, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan CAF: Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia CONMEBOL: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay OFC: New Zealand UEFA: England, France, Croatia (30 of 48 teams).