Chelsea defender Baba Rahman earns Ghana call-up after two-year absence

Two years after tearing his ACL while playing for Ghana at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, Baba Rahman has returned to international duty, earning a spot in the squad for the 2019 edition of the continental championship (which is now held in the summer rather than in the winter).

This completes Baba’s long journey back, which has taken him across half of Europe, from England to Germany to France. He spent the second half of the season on loan at Stade Reims, where he’s found consistent playing time for the first time since the injury.

He finished the season with 11 appearances, including a goal and an assist against PSG on the final day of the season.

The 2019 ACN kicks off later this month in Egypt.

The full Ghana squad, which also includes former Chelsea winger Christian Atsu, is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS: Felix Annan (Asante Kotoko), Lawrence Ati-Zigi (Sochaux), Richard Ofori (Maritzburg United)

DEFENDERS: Lumor Agbenyenu (Goztepsor), Joseph Aidoo (Racing Genk), Joseph Attamah (Basaksehir), Baba Rahman (Stade Reims, on loan from Chelsea), John Boye (Metz), Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew), Kassim Nuhu (Hoffenheim), Andy Yiadom (Reading)

MIDFIELDERS: Afriyie Acquah (Empoli), Thomas Agyepong (Hibernian), Kwadwo Asamoah (Inter Milan), Christian Atsu (Newcastle United), Andre Ayew (Fenerbahçe), Samuel Owusu (Cukaricki Belgrade), Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid), Mubarak Wakaso (Deportivo Alavés)

ATTACKERS: Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), Caleb Ekuban (Trabzonspor), Asamoah Gyan (Kayserispor), Kwabena Owusu (Leganés)

Best of luck to Baba, and to Ghana!