AS Monaco Exclude Ghana’s Mohammed Salisu from Champions League Squad Following Season-Ending Injury

Ghanaian international defender Mohammed Salisu has been officially removed from AS Monaco’s UEFA Champions League squad following a devastating, season-ending injury. The French club confirmed the decision ahead of their upcoming high-stakes playoff match against Paris Saint-Germain. Salisu, a cornerstone of the Monaco defense, has been sidelined by an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, marking a significant setback for both his club career and his contributions to the Ghana national team.

The defensive reshuffle at Monaco extends beyond the Ghanaian center-back. The club has also omitted Takumi Minamino and Paul Pogba from the squad due to ongoing fitness concerns. To fill these gaps, Monaco has registered Krepin Diatta, Wout Fa, and Simon Adingra as replacements for the European campaign. Salisu’s absence is particularly significant given his impact since joining the club in 2023; he has made 17 appearances for the side, establishing himself as a reliable presence in the backline before the injury occurred.

The implications of this injury are far-reaching for the Black Stars of Ghana. With the defender ruled out for the remainder of the current season, concerns are mounting regarding his availability for the 2026 FIFA World Cup cycle. The lengthy recovery period required for an ACL tear means Salisu will face a difficult road back to full fitness, potentially impacting Ghana's defensive stability during upcoming international windows. For now, the player begins a long rehabilitation process while Monaco proceeds with their Champions League ambitions without one of their primary defensive assets.