Ghana's World Cup Hopes Diminish as Salisu Faces ACL Injury; Semenyo Joins Man City

Ghana's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been significantly impacted by the season-ending injury of defender Mohammed Salisu. The AS Monaco player suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during a recent match against Olympique Lyonnais, raising concerns about the Black Stars' defensive capabilities as they gear up to face tough opponents including England, Croatia, and Panama in their group. Salisu's rehabilitation will be lengthy, and the club has pledged its support during this challenging time.

In a contrasting development, Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo is set to join Manchester City from Bournemouth for a reported £65 million. The 26-year-old has chosen to work under Pep Guardiola, turning down offers from several top Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea. Semenyo is scheduled to undergo a medical examination on January 8, after which he will play his final match for Bournemouth against Tottenham.

Additionally, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo is closely monitoring the fitness of midfielder Mohammed Kudus, who recently experienced an injury scare during a match on January 4, 2026. Kudus, who transferred from West Ham United, left the game against Sunderland after just 19 minutes. Addo's evaluation of players in Europe is crucial as the team prepares for the World Cup, especially given the recent injury setbacks.