Mohammed Salisu ruled out of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Black Stars team doctor, Prince Pambo has confirmed that Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place in June and July.

The defender's Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury occurred in the final moments of Monaco’s 3-1 loss to Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1. Follow-up scans confirmed the injury, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

Speaking on the readiness of injured players ahead of the Mundial, Dr Pambo stated that it will take several months before Salisu can fully recover, based on assessment of the injury.

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In an interview with Asempa FM, Dr Pambo clarified that the technical team will now look to other defensive options since Salisu cannot make it.

“Mohammed Salisu will miss the World Cup; his knee injury requires nine months to recover,” he told Asempa FM.

The Monaco defender has been one of Ghana’s standout performers, playing a key role in the World Cup qualifiers with solid defensive displays.

Beyond his defensive prowess, Salisu is also effective at scoring from set pieces, particularly with aerial balls, adding an extra quality that complements the team.

A search for a formidable replacement in defense will be on the cards as Otto Addo is expected to name his squad for the Mundial by June 1, 2026.

SB/JE

Meanhwile, watch highlights of U20 match between Black Princesses vs South Africa