Black Stars have been dealt a heavy blow ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as star defender Alexander Djiku now faces slim chances of making the tournament squad.
The experienced center-back was included in head coach Carlos Queiroz’s provisional 28-man squad but arrived at Ghana’s training camp in Cardiff carrying an injury sustained during Spartak Moscow’s Russian Cup final victory over FC Krasnodar.
Djiku limped off the pitch during the final, watching from the sidelines as Spartak Moscow clinched the trophy in a dramatic penalty shootout, fueling fresh worries about his World Cup fitness.
Since arriving at the Black Stars camp, the 31-year-old has reportedly been sidelined from full training, casting a shadow of doubt over his tournament readiness.
As Queiroz prepares to whittle down his squad from 28 to 26 before Ghana’s journey to North America, Djiku now appears destined to miss the final cut.
Losing Djiku would be a major setback for the Black Stars. Over the years, he has become a pillar of Ghana’s defense, offering experience, leadership, and calm under pressure. His knack for organizing the backline and launching attacks from deep has made him indispensable for both club and country.
If Djiku is sidelined, Ghana must turn to alternative defensive options as they brace for a daunting Group L campaign against Panama, England, and Croatia.
With the World Cup looming, Djiku’s injury continues to trouble the technical team as they race to assemble a squad ready to compete at the highest level with every player at peak fitness.
