Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka has been involved in an incident resulting in a horror injury to Francis Abu in the international fixture between Japan and Ghana.
Ao Tanaka has had a frustrating season for Leeds so far in the Premier League, having featured mainly from the bench after an early-season injury.
The Leeds United midfielder played from the start as Japan took on the Black Stars at the Toyota Stadium, which ended with a 2-0 victory for the home side. He is one of 16 Leeds players currently on international duty.
However, he was substituted in the 68th minute, 10 minutes after he was involved in the incident with Abu, which caused a long delay at the stadium.
Ao Tanaka in action during Leeds United v West Ham United - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka involved in injury to Francis Abu
Tanaka enjoyed a strong night for Japan, earning a 7.3 rating from FotMob for his 68 minutes on the field, as Japan secured a routine victory.
However, the Leeds midfielder was involved in a gruesome incident with Abu, although it must be stressed that Tanaka was in no way at fault.
Tanaka was in possession near the edge of the Ghana box and was lining up a shot as Abu attempted to pinch the ball from behind.
Immediately after his substitution, Japan player Aoi Tanaka went straight to Ghana coach Otto Addo to apologise for causing the serious injury to Francis Abu.
Even in the heat of intense rivalry, the attitude of mutual respect is truly admirable.
Speedy recovery to Francis… pic.twitter.com/fGejvsFW5y
— Ibrahim Sannie Daara (@SannieDaara) November 14, 2025
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The Leeds man accidentally kicked Abu’s leg with full force, causing a visible injury to Abu’s lower leg. There was a long delay while Abu received treatment on the ground.
Tanaka was upset after the incident and was pictured going to Ghana coach Otto Addo to apologise after he was substituted 10 minutes later.
Francis Abu is stretchered off during Japan v Ghana - International Friendly
Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images
Francis Abu is Charlie Cresswell’s teammate in France
Abu was stretchered off the field as the atmosphere in the stadium turned sombre following the injury, despite Japan’s routine win.
Although the exact injury is yet to be confirmed, Abu appeared to suffer a broken leg, which would require a long recovery period.
Abu currently plays his club football for Toulouse, alongside former Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell, and has been in impressive form so far this season.
However, his participation in the rest of the Ligue 1 season and the 2026 World Cup now appears to be in doubt.