Former Ghana midfielder Laryea Kingston has described the absence of Mohammed Salisu from the Black Stars squad as a significant setback, following the defender’s season-ending injury that will rule him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Salisu suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his left knee during AS Monaco’s weekend clash against Olympique Lyonnais. With ACL injuries typically requiring up to nine months of recovery, the 25-year-old centre-back’s hopes of featuring at the World Cup are effectively over.
The injury represents a major loss for both Monaco and Ghana. Salisu has been a key figure in Monaco’s defence and one of the most dependable options at the heart of the Black Stars’ backline. Since making his international debut in 2022, he has scored four goals in 22 appearances, demonstrating his value both defensively and offensively.
Reacting to the news, Kingston emphasized Salisu’s importance and the challenge his absence poses for the national team. “It’s a very big blow for us because he is such an important figure at the back. When you talk about experienced players in our back line, he is one of them, and it’s going to be a very big blow for us,” Kingston said.
Kingston also encouraged the current squad to stay focused and play with confidence despite the setback. “My advice to the current players is to relax and focus. You have to play whether you like it or not. The more minutes you play, the more competitive you become, and the better your form will be,” he added.
Salisu’s injury comes amid a troubling pattern for Ghana, with several internationals recently sidelined by ACL tears. This trend raises concerns about squad depth and durability as the Black Stars prepare for the World Cup later this year.
