Mohammed Salisu is facing the grim reality of likely missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament, a devastating setback that has halted his momentum for both Ghana and AS Monaco.
The Ghana defender sustained the injury during Monaco’s Ligue 1 clash with Olympique Lyonnais at the weekend, going down in the closing moments of the match and immediately clutching his left knee.
Medical assessments carried out after the game confirmed the worst-case scenario, ruling Salisu out for a prolonged period.
Monaco later issued an official update to clarify the extent of the injury and their commitment to the player’s recovery.
“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 is behind him all the way.”
An ACL tear typically sidelines players for around nine months, a timeline that casts serious doubt over Salisu’s availability for Ghana’s long-term plans, including the 2026 World Cup.
The injury is a major blow for the Black Stars, with the defender having grown into a key figure since making his international debut in 2022.
He has earned 22 caps and scored four goals, establishing himself as one of Ghana’s most reliable defensive options.
At club level, Salisu has also been an important presence in Monaco’s back line, valued for his physicality, composure, and aerial strength. His absence will force the Ligue 1 side to reshuffle defensively while they navigate a demanding domestic and European schedule.
Salisu’s injury further compounds Ghana’s growing concerns over a spate of serious knee injuries among its internationals.
Fatawu Issahaku, Tariq Lamptey, Alidu Seidu, Ernest Nuamah, Abdul Mumin, and Baba Iddrisu have all suffered ACL tears in the past year, raising questions about workload, conditioning, and long-term squad depth.
For Salisu, the focus now shifts to surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process. The immediate priority is recovery, as he begins the arduous journey back to full fitness, determined to return stronger despite a cruel setback that threatens to derail his World Cup ambitions.
