Dr. Prince Pambo, the team doctor for the Black Stars, has confirmed that defender Mohamed Salisu will be unable to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to a significant knee injury.
The AS Monaco center-back sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a league match against Olympique Lyonnais in January. Salisu has since undergone successful surgery and has commenced gym-based rehabilitation as part of his recovery process.
Following a medical evaluation in France, Dr. Pambo disclosed that the 26-year-old will require a minimum of nine months to achieve full recovery, thereby ruling him out of World Cup contention.
“Mohamed Salisu will miss the World Cup; his knee injury requires nine months to recover,” Dr. Pambo stated in an interview with Asempa FM.
Dr. Pambo also provided an update on midfielder Francis Abu, who sustained a severe ankle injury during Ghana’s Kirin Cup match against Japan in November. Although Abu was initially expected to recover within five to six months post-surgery, he is showing positive progress in his treatment.
Ghana is set to commence their Group L campaign against Panama, followed by matches against England and Croatia. The team is scheduled to reconvene in March for international friendly fixtures against Austria and Germany as part of their World Cup preparations.
Head coach Otto Addo is expected to announce his final squad for the World Cup on June 1.
