Black Stars could be without winger Joseph Paintsil for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after picking up an injury.

Paintsil, according to reports in America, is expected to be out for six to eight weeks after suffering an injury to his quadriceps.

The Ghana international had a stellar performance in his maiden season in the Major League Soccer (MLS) leading LA Galaxy to triumph.

The injury to Paintsil which sees him sidelined for an extended period also means his presence for the Black Stars' next games is in doubt.

Ghana face Chad and Madagascar in the next round of games in the qualifiers for the World Cup next month as they seek the top position in their qualification group.

His absence is also a worry for his club who are also without Riqui Puig who picked up an ACL injury in the latter part of last season.

The new MLS season is set to begin on February 23 with LA Galaxy's first game being against San Diego.