Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, has been dealt a severe blow ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following confirmation that defender Mohammed Salisu has suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his left knee.
AS Monaco announced the devastating news after Salisu sustained the injury in the closing stages of their 3-1 Ligue 1 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais. Medical scans revealed the extent of the damage, sidelining the Ghanaian international for the rest of the club season.
The French club has pledged full support for Salisu during his rehabilitation process. The injury compounded a difficult night for Monaco, who are battling for European qualification spots and are now grappling with multiple player absences.
Salisu had become a vital component in Monaco’s defense, stepping up in the absence of injured teammates Christian Mawissa and Eric Dier. This marks the second ACL injury for the club in as many matches, following Takumi Minamino’s similar setback against AJ Auxerre before the winter break.
For Ghana, the implications are particularly dire as the Black Stars prepare for a challenging World Cup group that includes powerhouses England and Croatia, alongside Panama. Salisu’s physical presence and defensive expertise had made him a cornerstone of Otto Addo’s squad, especially after his impressive performances at Monaco.
With recovery from an ACL tear typically requiring several months, concerns are mounting over Salisu’s availability for the tournament. The Black Stars may now rely on alternatives such as Alexander Djiku, though few players replicate Salisu’s unique attributes, highlighting potential weaknesses in the team’s defensive depth.