Mohammed Salisu resumes ball work as he steps up ACL injury recovery

AS Monaco defender Mohammed Salisu has reached a major milestone in his recovery from a long-term knee injury, returning to the turf for individual ball work at the club’s training center.

The Ghanaian center-back has been sidelined since January 2026 after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during the closing stages of a Ligue 1 clash against Olympique Lyonnais.

His return to light drills on the grass signals the final phase of a grueling rehabilitation process that began following successful surgery early this year.

Before the injury, the 26-year-old was a cornerstone of Monaco’s defense and a vital asset for Ghana, scoring twice during the World Cup qualification rounds.

While the sight of Salisu back with the ball is a massive boost for the Monegasque side, his availability for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup remains highly improbable.

Medical experts and Black Stars team officials have noted that the standard nine-month recovery window for ACL repairs typically rules out high-intensity competition before the autumn.

Despite his progress, Salisu is expected to miss the tournament in North America, with Monaco’s medical staff prioritizing his long-term fitness for the start of the 2026-27 domestic season.

The club will continue to monitor his workload before he rejoins full team training.