Appiah Could Be Sidelined for Three More Months

Appiah Could Be Sidelined for Three More Months
Fener Star Facing Major Knee Surgery
By Nathan L. Redd

Stephen Appiah has missed nearly all of the 2007 season so far, and it's possible that the midfielder could miss the entire season altogether. After consulting with specialists in Istanbul, Appiah is considering surgery on his injured knee that is expected to sideline him for three more months. The Ghana star wants to consult another specialist in Italy, however, before making the decision.

"I have had several tests and meetings with my doctors here in Turkiye over the past 48 hours and there has been nothing conclusive,” he says. “I’m actually feeling fine physically. However, I am traveling to Italy on Thursday to meet another specialist in this area for further analysis.”

Appiah suffered the original injury during the 2006-2007 championship campaign for Fenerbahce. After sitting out much of the first half of the season, Appiah returned last month but played sparingly and has since missed several more games. If he does decide to undergo surgery, he would not miss most of Fenerbahce's season, but also that of his native Ghana's 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. Appiah, however, seems willing to put off the surgery to play in his homeland's tournament. “I want my fellow countrymen and women to know I will do all it takes to be available for Ghana when the Africa Cup of Nations starts. I really want to help my country win the trophy on February 10.”