Wednesday, 07 January

Salisu suffers season-ending ACL injury, Black Stars face major setback ahead of 2026 World Cup

Sports News
Mohammed Salisu

AS Monaco have confirmed that Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu has suffered a season-ending knee injury, dealing a significant blow to both the Ligue 1 side and the Ghana Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The French club announced that Salisu tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during the closing stages of Monaco’s 3–1 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais on January 3, 2026. Subsequent medical examinations confirmed the severity of the injury, ruling the centre-back out for the remainder of the season.

Monaco have assured that the Ghana international will receive full support throughout his rehabilitation process.

Salisu’s injury capped a difficult night for the Principality club, who not only lost ground in their push for European qualification but also saw several key players sidelined. The defender’s absence is particularly damaging, as he had established himself as a regular starter in recent weeks following injuries to Christian Mawissa and Eric Dier.

The setback also marks Monaco’s second ACL injury in consecutive matches, coming shortly after Takumi Minamino suffered a similar injury against AJ Auxerre before the winter break.

For Ghana, the news raises serious concerns. Salisu now faces a lengthy recovery period that could jeopardize his readiness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Black Stars have been drawn in the challenging Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama, and will require a fully fit squad if they are to make a strong impression at the tournament.

Source: classfmonline.com