Abu Francis returns to action after 8-month injury layoff

Ghana midfielder Abu Francis made his long-awaited return to the pitch over the weekend, playing his first competitive minutes since November 2025 in Toulouse's friendly victory over Rodez.

The 25-year-old had been sidelined for 253 days after suffering a devastating double fracture to his tibia and fibula during Ghana's friendly against Japan on November 14, 2025.

The horrific injury, which occurred when he attempted to block a shot from Ao Tanaka, left his foot twisted backwards and required immediate surgery in Japan.

Francis entered the match at the start of the second half against Rodez, playing the full 45 minutes in a defensive midfield role alongside Mario Sauer. While he naturally lacked some rhythm after such a long absence, Toulouse coach Jens Berthel Askou was encouraged by what he saw.

Francis had been recalled to the Toulouse squad late last season but did not feature in matches against Lyon and Nantes. The friendly against Rodez marked his first real test, and the club now views him almost as a new signing after having barely seen his potential following his £2 million move from Cercle Brugge in the summer of 2025.

Though he missed the 2026 World Cup, which Toulouse had initially ruled him out of just days after the injury, the midfielder now looks ready to build towards the new season.