Trevoh Chalobah’s World Cup dream took a bizarre turn when the Chelsea defender was summoned as a late replacement for the injured Tino Livramento, just days before England’s opener. The 26-year-old, who had been on holiday, had to scramble to join the squad in the United States after Livramento was ruled out with a knock. Meanwhile, across the tournament, Ghana’s goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi is racing against time to face England on Tuesday in Boston.
Ati-Zigi, 29, plays for Swiss side St. Gallen and was forced off at half-time during Ghana’s 1-0 win over Panama after making several crucial stops. He picked up a groin injury and was replaced by Benjamin Asare. Scans followed, but the keeper has now returned to light training. Initially, it was feared his tournament was over, but goalkeeper coach Daniel Gaspar is optimistic. “We’re extremely happy with his progress,” Gaspar said. “It’s day by day. Obviously, this is a medical issue collaborated with head coach Carlos Queiroz, so we’ll take it session by session.”
“Chalobah replaces injured Livramento as Ghana optimistic Ati-Zigi will be fit to face England.”
Ghana kept a clean sheet against Panama, but face a far sterner test in England, who thrashed Croatia 4-0 in Dallas. Gaspar acknowledged the challenge: “England is one of the best teams in the world. They have certain characteristics and a style of play, and we’re exposing our goalkeepers to those conditions.” He added that Ghana are preparing for “the timing of catching and boxing, but also the physical challenge”.
Queiroz, the former Manchester United assistant, has four goalkeepers in his squad, including Solomon Agbasi, to keep players sharp during training. “The reason is that coach Carlos Queiroz likes to do a lot of finishing and crossing drills,” Gaspar explained. “It’s important we have four so they can rotate. There’s less repetition for each of them, which keeps them healthy and sharp.”
Ghana’s attacking threat will be led by Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo, alongside Kamaldeen Sulemana and Ernest Nuamah, though Tottenham winger Mohammed Kudus is absent due to injury. England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, will aim to seal passage to the knockout phase with a second straight win. For now, all eyes are on Ati-Zigi’s fitness and whether Chalobah can seize his unexpected opportunity.