Accra Hearts of Oak SC have been dealt a significant setback after promising midfielder George Paaku was ruled out for the rest of the Ghanaian football season due to injury.
The 20-year-old has been one of the standout performers for the Phobians in the ongoing campaign, featuring in 23 Ghana Premier League matches and contributing one goal while playing a key role in midfield stability.
The injury comes at a crucial stage of the season, with the domestic campaign entering its final stretch. Paaku is not expected to recover in time to feature in any of the remaining matches of the 2025/26 season, leaving a major gap in the squad.
The club is expected to take a cautious approach to his rehabilitation to ensure he returns fully fit ahead of the next campaign.
Paaku’s absence is a major tactical blow for Hearts of Oak, as he has been central to the team’s balance in midfield—offering energy, defensive cover, and progressive passing that links play between defence and attack.
Beyond statistics, his work rate and discipline have made him an important figure in high-intensity matches, often helping the team maintain structure under pressure.
Head coach Didi Dramani will now be forced to rethink his midfield setup, with possible changes to the starting lineup or increased responsibility for younger squad members to step into the role.
The timing of the injury could hardly be worse for Hearts of Oak, who are entering a decisive phase of the season where consistency and squad depth will be critical.
With five matches remaining, the Phobians sit third on the league table with 46 points, seven points behind leaders Medeama SC, keeping their title hopes mathematically alive but increasingly challenging.
