World Cup blow: Ghana’s Mohammed Salisu ruled out for nine months

The Ghana Black Stars have suffered a significant setback ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with team doctor Dr. Prince Pambo confirming that key defender Mohammed Salisu will miss the tournament due to a severe knee injury.

The AS Monaco centre-back is facing an extended period on the sidelines. According to Dr. Pambo, Salisu requires a minimum of nine months to recover fully following an assessment of the injury sustained in January.

“Mohammed Salisu will miss the global tournament. He needs nine months of medical attention to recover fully. Salisu has suffered a serious knee injury,” Dr. Pambo confirmed.

Reports indicate that Salisu suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a French Ligue 1 clash between AS Monaco and Olympique Lyonnais in late January 2026. The defender has since undergone successful surgery but faces a long rehabilitation process that will rule him out of contention for the World Cup, which kicks off later this year.

The loss of Salisu presents a major challenge for head coach Otto Addo, who has relied on the defender as a cornerstone of Ghana’s backline in recent years. His absence leaves a considerable gap in experience and defensive stability as the team prepares for a tough group stage.

Ghana has been drawn in Group L, where they are set to face Panama, England, and Croatia. The team is scheduled to play international friendly matches against Australia and Germany as part of their preparations for the tournament.

Coach Otto Addo is expected to name his final 26-man squad on June 1. It remains unclear who will be called up to fill the void left by Salisu’s injury.

Despite the setback, Ghanaians are rallying behind the team, pledging full support as the Black Stars gear up for the highly anticipated global competition.