AS Monaco centre-back Mohammed Salisu is back with the Black Stars in the 26-man squad for the double-header against Somalia, after a serious left knee injury that had ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup.
Mohammed Salisu is in Ghana’s squad for the matches against Somalia on 12 and 16 November. The Black Stars have conceded six goals in two qualifying matches, and the national team is counting on his return to strengthen the defence, according to GNA.
His call-up, confirmed by Ghanasoccernet, comes as Ghana sit out the latest AFCON in Morocco and occupy last place in Group C, according to Foot-Africa. Salisu had been sidelined after a serious left knee injury sustained in January 2026, according to Graphic.
A knee and a World Cup lost
The setback was brutal. According to Graphic, it was a serious left knee injury, sustained in January 2026, that kept Salisu out of the 2026 World Cup. For a 22-cap international, the World Cup had slipped away on an injury.
According to Foot-Africa, he returned to the pitch in both the Conference League and the league before this international comeback, confirmed by the 26-man squad named for the double-header.
A centre-back pairing to rebuild
Ghana’s defensive numbers explain the interest in the Monaco man’s return. GNA points out that the Black Stars have conceded six goals in two qualifying matches, and that the national team is counting on him to strengthen the back line. Foot-Africa recalls that Salisu is a regular starter at centre-back with the Black Stars.
The standings add to the pressure: Ghana, absent from the latest AFCON in Morocco, occupy last place in Group C, according to Foot-Africa. It has not been specified whether the defender will start.
Somalia in the crosshairs
The calendar features two quick-fire fixtures: Ghana v Somalia on 12 November, then Somalia v Ghana on 16 November. This double-header will mark Salisu’s return to the national team after his January 2026 injury.
For Ghana, bottom of Group C, these two matches will be a chance to judge the defensive solidity of a team that has already conceded six goals in two qualifying games.