Accra: Mohammed Salisu, the Ghanaian defender, has been confirmed to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set for June and July, due to an injury. Black Stars team doctor Prince Pambo announced that Salisu will be sidelined following an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury sustained during Monaco's 3-1 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1. The injury was confirmed through follow-up scans, which also ruled him out for the remainder of the current season.
According to Ghana Web, Dr. Pambo discussed the readiness of injured players ahead of the World Cup, noting that it will take several months for Salisu to fully recover. In an interview with Asempa FM, Dr. Pambo mentioned that the technical team is now considering other defensive options as Salisu will not be available. "Mohammed Salisu will miss the World Cup; his knee injury requires nine months to recover," he told Asempa FM.
Salisu has been a key player for Ghana, contributing significantly to the World Cup qualifiers with his defensive skills. Beyond his defense, he has also been effective in scoring from set pieces, especially with aerial balls, a quality that has added depth to the team's play. The search for a capable replacement in defense will be crucial as Otto Addo prepares to announce his squad for the World Cup by June 1, 2026.