Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has warned that the Black Stars could face a major defensive crisis following Mohammed Salisu’s long-term injury, describing the setback as a significant loss ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 25-year-old centre-back has been ruled out for an extended period after French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco confirmed he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury earlier this summer. The severity of the injury has cast serious doubt over Salisu’s availability for the World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Reacting to the news in an interview with 3Sports, Kingston stressed the importance of Salisu to Ghana’s defensive structure and admitted his absence could have far-reaching consequences at the global showpiece.
“It’s a very big blow for us because he is such an important figure at the back,” Kingston, who now coaches Uganda’s junior national teams, said.
The former Tottenham Hotspur winger went on to underline the lack of experienced options in central defence, noting how crucial Salisu has become to the national team setup.
“When you talk about experienced players at our back line, I think if he’s one of them and it’s going to be a very big blow for us,” he added.
Salisu has established himself as one of Ghana’s most reliable defenders in recent years, forming a solid and trusted central defensive partnership with Alexander Djiku. His physical presence, composure on the ball and ability to read the game have made him a cornerstone of the Black Stars’ backline.
With concerns now mounting over defensive depth, all eyes will be on head coach Otto Addo as he prepares to name his final squad for the tournament. The Black Stars boss is expected to announce his selection on June 1, with Salisu’s recovery timeline likely to be a key factor in Ghana’s World Cup planning.
