Germany-based defender Derrick Köhn is facing uncertainty over his much-anticipated return to the Black Stars after illness threatened his availability for Ghana’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Somalia.

The 27-year-old Union Berlin left-back has reportedly been included in Ghana’s squad for the two encounters scheduled for this month.

However, his involvement is now in doubt following a late fitness setback. Köhn was expected to travel to Ghana on Sunday to join the squad ahead of the qualifiers but reportedly fell ill and had to be rushed to the hospital for medical attention, making his availability for the games unlikely.

The defender had been hoping to make a return to the national team after missing out on Ghana’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Ghana are scheduled to face Somalia in Matchdays 3 and 4 of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, with the first encounter set for Thursday, November 12, at the Essipong Sports Stadium before the two sides meet again on Monday, November 16.

The Black Stars endured a difficult start to their qualifying campaign, suffering back-to-back defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia during the September-October international window.

The four-time African champions currently sit bottom of Group C, making maximum points from the two matches against Somalia crucial to their hopes of securing a place at the tournament.

Ghana are desperate to return to the continental showpiece after failing to qualify for the 2025 edition in Morocco, marking their first absence from the competition since 2004.

The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, with the Black Stars determined to avoid another disappointing qualification campaign and reclaim their place among Africa’s elite.