Former Ghana international Asamoah Gyan has sounded an alarm. Key players Mohammed Kudus and Mohammed Salisu face potential absence from the 2026 World Cup. This is due to serious injuries sustained at their clubs. Gyan, a respected figure in Ghanaian football, believes this would be a significant setback for the Black Stars. He urged the technical team to actively seek replacements for the injured stars.
Mohammed Salisu recently returned to training. He suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Mohammed Kudus is expected to undergo surgery. This could sideline him for the entire tournament. Both players are considered vital to the team’s performance. Their absence leaves a substantial gap, particularly in individual brilliance and defensive solidity during set-pieces. This impacts the team’s strategy and effectiveness.
The 2026 World Cup is hosted across Mexico, Canada, and the USA. The Black Stars have a history of striving for success on the global stage. Player availability is crucial for any team’s campaign. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) invests heavily in national team preparations and player development. The potential loss of Kudus and Salisu raises concerns about the team’s competitiveness. Ghana’s national football budget, while not publicly itemized for specific player contingencies, supports extensive scouting and training programs.
Asamoah Gyan expressed his concerns on Citi TV. "[Kudus' injury] is a huge blow for Ghana," he stated. "In every team, you have that one player, that man that can do a lot of things and he's that man... He creates a lot of chances, he brings that individual brilliance which we lack." Gyan also highlighted Salisu’s importance. "Salisu is also a rock when it comes to set pieces. During the qualifiers and friendlies, we were scoring more through set pieces, and he was involved in it. He became a very important player in the team." He concluded, "The two players who are injured are a huge blow to Ghana, and we have to work on their replacements as soon as possible."
The Black Stars are scheduled to play friendly matches against Mexico and Wales. These games serve as crucial preparation for the World Cup. The team’s management will closely monitor the recovery progress of both Kudus and Salisu. If they are indeed ruled out, the focus will shift to integrating new players. This will also involve adapting tactics to compensate for their absence. The technical team faces a significant challenge in mitigating the impact of these injuries.