Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a significant setback after experienced defender Alexander Djiku was officially ruled out of the tournament due to injury, dealing a major blow to the Black Stars’ defensive plans just weeks before their opening match.
The 31 year old centre back had initially been included in Ghana’s provisional squad by head coach Carlos Queiroz and joined the team’s training camp in Cardiff as preparations intensified for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, concerns about his fitness emerged shortly after his arrival, with the defender unable to participate fully in training sessions.
Djiku reportedly sustained the injury during Spartak Moscow’s Russian Cup final against FC Krasnodar. Although Spartak went on to lift the trophy after a penalty shootout victory, the Ghanaian defender was forced off during the match and arrived in camp carrying the knock. Medical assessments conducted by the Black Stars medical team later confirmed that he would not recover in time to play a meaningful role at the World Cup.
Speaking ahead of Ghana’s friendly against Wales, Queiroz confirmed the defender’s withdrawal from the squad. The coach described the development as unfortunate, particularly considering Djiku’s experience and importance to the national team. Reuters reported that the injury forced Ghana into a last minute defensive reshuffle before FIFA’s squad submission deadline.
Djiku has been one of Ghana’s most reliable defenders in recent years. Since making his senior debut for the Black Stars, he has become a regular presence in the heart of defence, featuring prominently during qualification campaigns, the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. His leadership, composure and ability to organize the back line have made him one of Ghana’s most trusted defenders.
His absence comes at a particularly difficult time for Ghana, which has already been dealing with injury concerns elsewhere in the squad. Midfielder Mohammed Kudus was previously ruled out after failing to recover from a thigh injury, while defender Mohammed Salisu is also unavailable due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The latest setback further complicates Ghana’s preparations for a challenging group stage campaign.
To address the defensive void, the technical team has called up Derrick Luckassen as Djiku’s replacement. The Cyprus based defender, who plays for Pafos FC, has already joined the Black Stars camp and is expected to be included in Ghana’s final World Cup squad. Luckassen earned his senior debut for Ghana earlier this year and impressed the coaching staff with his performances both domestically and in European competitions.
Luckassen’s arrival offers Ghana additional experience and versatility at the back. The 30 year old enjoyed a strong season with Pafos FC and played a key role in the club’s European campaign. His inclusion is expected to strengthen the team’s defensive depth as Ghana prepares to face some of the world’s strongest sides.
The Black Stars have been drawn into Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama. Ghana will open its campaign against Panama before facing England and Croatia in what many analysts have described as one of the tournament’s toughest groups.
While Ghana still possesses experienced players such as Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew and Inaki Williams, the loss of Djiku removes one of the team’s most dependable defensive leaders. His ability to marshal the defence and provide calm under pressure will be difficult to replace.
For Djiku, the injury is a heartbreaking setback. Missing a World Cup is one of the toughest moments any professional footballer can experience, especially after helping his country qualify for the tournament. However, Ghana will now focus on moving forward and adapting its plans as it seeks to make an impact on football’s biggest stage.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Luckassen and the rest of Ghana’s defenders can fill the void left by Djiku. With expectations high and a difficult group awaiting, the Black Stars face an uphill task, but they remain determined to compete strongly despite the growing injury list.
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