Defender Mohamed Salisu has been sidelined from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Black Stars team doctor Dr. Prince Pambo confirmed a serious knee injury.

The AS Monaco centre-back sustained an ACL injury in a league match against Olympique Lyonnais in January. Salisu has had surgery and is now in the gym doing rehab to regain fitness.

A medical evaluation in France by Dr. Pambo indicated the 26-year-old needs at least nine months to recover, ending his World Cup aspirations.

“Mohammed Salisu will miss the World Cup; his knee injury requires nine months to recover,” Dr Pambo told Asempa FM.

Dr. Pambo’s update also included information on midfielder Francis Abu, who was injured in Ghana’s Kirin Cup game against Japan in November.

Despite the original prognosis, Francis Abu is showing a strong response to his treatment. Their next match is against Panama, followed by games against England and Croatia. The team plans to gather again in March for international friendlies against Austria and Germany as they prepare for the tournament.

Otto Addo, the head coach, will reveal the final World Cup team on June 1.