2026 FIFA World Cup: Mohammed Salisu’s return is timely boost for Black Stars

Unquestionably, Monaco’s Mohammed Salisu is Ghana’s best centre-back. The 26-year-old, alongside Spartak Moscow’s 33-year-old Alexander Djiku, has been Ghana’s main choice at the heart of the defence after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

In the opening game of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Ghana started with Amartey, Salisu and Djiku in the 3-2 defeat to Portugal in the three at the back system. Otto Addo, in the 3-2 win over South Korea, dropped Djiku and started Amartey and Salisu in the four-back system. He continued the partnership (Amartey-Salisu) in the final group game, where Uruguay beat the Black Stars 2-0. It was the experienced Amartey’s final best moments for Ghana as plans for his replacement were in place.

When Chris Houghton led Ghana to the 2023 AFCON in the Ivory Coast, the former Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United Manager started Salisu and Djiku in all three group games against Cape Verde, Egypt and Mozambique in his preferred four at the back system, signalling the end of Daniel Amartey.  The pair has since then become Ghana’s best partnership, with Otto Addo relying on them heavily in the insipid 2025 AFCON qualifiers. He also used them in the successful qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

When AS Monaco on the 3rd of January 2026 faced Olympique Lyon in the French Ligue 1, Salisu played the entire 90 minutes in the club’s 3-1 defeat, but it was later confirmed that he had sustained an injury.

When the news broke out that the centre-back, Salisu, had torn his anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), it was likely going to keep him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ghanaians got worried simply because, according to doctors, athletes take between six and 12 months to recover from that deadly career-threatening injury. Therefore, Salisu was declared out of the imminent 2026 global showpiece by almost all the media houses in Ghana. AS Monaco even were doubtful concerning the bona fide defender’s chances of representing Ghana in the USA, Canada and Mexico 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On Thursday, May 7, on Monaco’s Facebook wall, the French club surprisingly announced that Salisu has returned to training.

“𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐮 𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐢 𝐧𝐞 𝐧𝐧𝐰𝐮𝐦𝐚 𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐨  ”, which translates to, “Salisu has begun his good works again”.  The message was surprisingly written in Asante Twi, which caught the attention of Ghanaians. 

The comeback of the defender is set to boost Carlos Queiroz’s preparations for the team, as Salisu will at least guarantee him the Black Stars’ favourite centre-back pairing of the last four years at the tournament.

Salisu is so important to the team because the team is very limited when it comes to the defensive position options, especially the centre-back role.

Ghana’s centre-back options for the World Cup.

At least five of these six centre-backs will likely be called up by Carlos Queiroz for the World Cup. With a combined 88 caps and 10 goals, everything points to the fact that the department lacks experience.

Ghana, in defence, cannot take things lightly because they will face Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon, who are terrific on any day for England. Croatia’s attack of Budimir, Perisic and Kramaric can hurt any opponent. For Panama, they don’t boast of superstars, but Puma, Diaz and Barria’s partnership troubled South Africa in March’s International friendlies.

The defender’s return is certainly a boost for Ghana’s preparations, and Carlos Queiróz will hope he will stay fit throughout the tournament.