CAN 2027 Qualifiers: Kossounou ruled out, Ivory Coast reshuffles defense ahead of Ghana clash

Ivory Coast will begin their CAN 2027 qualifiers without Odilon Kossounou. Atalanta confirmed on Monday that the defender has sustained a moderate to severe injury to the biceps femoris of his left thigh, ruling him out of the match against Ghana.

The Bergamo club stated that Kossounou has undergone medical examinations and has started his rehabilitation program. Atalanta did not provide a timeline for his return.

The Ivorian squad had already lost Guéla Doué, who is suffering from a calf injury. The Ivorian Football Federation announced on Sunday the absences of both defenders and the inclusion of Junior Diaz from Troyes and Luck Zogbé from Brest in Hervé Renard’s squad.

These changes come just three days before the Ivory Coast-Ghana match, scheduled for September 24 in Bouaké, marking the opening day of the CAN 2027 qualifiers. The Elephants will follow up with a match against Somalia on September 29.

Kossounou missed Atalanta’s 2-0 defeat to Juventus on Sunday after injuring himself during training. He had played in the first four rounds of Serie A this season.

Ivory Coast will conclude this international window with a friendly match against Cameroon on October 3.