Hearts of Oak midfielder Rocky Dwamena has undergone a successful surgical procedure after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, the club has confirmed.
The operation was carried out on Friday night at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra and was reported to have gone smoothly, offering a positive first step in the player’s recovery journey.
Dwamena sustained the injury during Hearts of Oak’s 2-2 stalemate with Bibiani GoldStars SC at the Accra Sports Stadium on 26 October 2025, in a matchday seven fixture of the Ghana Premier League. The midfielder was forced off during the encounter, raising early concerns that were later confirmed by medical assessments.
According to the club’s medical team, Dwamena is expected to be out of action for approximately eight to nine months as he undergoes a structured rehabilitation programme aimed at a full return to competitive football.
The former Asante Kotoko midfielder joined the Phobians from Dreams FC in August 2025 and had featured in four league matches before the unfortunate setback interrupted his promising start at the club.
Hearts of Oak have assured supporters that Dwamena’s recovery will be closely monitored, with the club committed to providing all the necessary support to ensure he returns stronger.
ACL Comebacks: A History of Successful Returns
While an ACL injury is widely regarded as one of the most challenging setbacks in football, modern sports medicine has seen many players return not only to action but to peak performance.
Globally, players such as Virgil van Dijk, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Xavi Hernández all suffered serious ACL injuries at different stages of their careers, yet went on to reclaim elite form and achieve major success at club and international levels. Ibrahimović, in particular, returned from an ACL injury at the age of 35 to score goals consistently at the highest level, defying expectations.
Closer to home, African football has also produced inspiring recovery stories. Players like Michael Essien and Kwadwo Asamoah endured significant knee problems during their careers but managed to adapt, recover, and continue performing at top clubs in Europe. In the Ghana Premier League, several players have returned from long-term knee injuries to re-establish themselves as key figures, thanks to improved rehabilitation methods and disciplined recovery programmes.
These examples offer encouragement that, with patience, professionalism, and the right medical support, Rocky Dwamena can make a successful comeback and still fulfill his potential at Hearts of Oak.
