Ghana’s defensive plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a setback after key centre-back Alexander Djiku is expected to miss out on the final 26-man squad due to injury concerns.
The defender, Alexander Djiku, picked up a knock while featuring for Spartak Moscow in their Russian Cup final against FC Krasnodar. Since reporting to the Black Stars camp, he has reportedly been unable to fully participate in training sessions.
Medical and technical assessments within the Black Stars setup suggest the defender is unlikely to recover in time for the tournament, effectively ruling him out of Ghana’s World Cup plans.
His expected absence creates a crucial vacancy in the heart of defence, forcing the technical team to consider possible replacements as the final squad deadline approaches.
Two names currently being strongly considered are Manu Duah and Razak Simpson, both of whom have been part of the wider defensive pool in camp.
Manu Duah is viewed as a physically strong option with composure in buildup play, while Razak Simpson is seen as a more aggressive defender with strong tackling ability and recovery pace. The final decision is expected to depend on tactical balance, experience, and current training performance.
With Ghana aiming to solidify its defensive structure ahead of the tournament, the choice of Djiku’s replacement could play a key role in shaping the team’s overall stability at the World Cup.
