Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a serious setback following confirmation that AS Monaco defender Mohammed Salisu has sustained a season-ending knee injury.
The Ligue 1 club announced that the Ghana international tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during Monaco’s league encounter against Olympique Lyonnais over the weekend. Subsequent medical examinations confirmed the severity of the injury, effectively ruling Salisu out for the remainder of the season and placing his World Cup participation in doubt.
Salisu was injured late in the match after going down in visible pain and clutching his knee, prompting immediate medical attention on the pitch. Further tests later confirmed the worst fears, with the centre-back now facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
In an official statement, AS Monaco expressed its support for the defender as he begins his recovery journey.
“At the very end of the match against Olympique Lyonnais, our centre-back Mohammed Salisu suffered an injury to his left knee,” the club said. “Medical examinations revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The club will support Mohammed throughout his recovery and stands firmly behind him.”
The injury compounds an already difficult period for Monaco, who not only lost crucial points in their push for European qualification but also saw several players forced off during the contest. Salisu’s setback is the most significant, especially as he had become a key figure in the squad amid the absence of Christian Mawissa and Eric Dier. It also marks Monaco’s second ACL injury in consecutive matches, following Takumi Minamino’s similar setback prior to the winter break.
An ACL rupture typically sidelines players for around nine months, a recovery timeline that all but rules Salisu out of Ghana’s plans for the 2026 World Cup. His absence will be keenly felt by both club and country, given his importance to Monaco’s defence and his growing influence within the Black Stars setup.
Since making his international debut in 2022, Salisu has earned 22 caps for Ghana and scored four goals, establishing himself as a reliable option at the heart of defence. His injury adds to a worrying trend among Ghanaian internationals, with players such as Fatawu Issahaku, Tariq Lamptey, Alidu Seidu, Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Mumin and Baba Iddrisu all having suffered ACL injuries in recent years.
Attention now turns to surgery and rehabilitation for the 25-year-old, who faces a long and demanding road back to full fitness. Despite the cruel blow, Salisu will be hoping to return stronger and resume his career at the highest level once recovery is complete.
Source: Yen.com.gh
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments