Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has explained the decision to replace defender Alexander Djiku ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the centre-back’s injury setback in camp.
Djiku was initially named in Ghana’s provisional squad for the tournament, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer. However, the experienced defender is now expected to miss the competition after failing to recover from an injury sustained before joining camp.
The Spartak Moscow defender has been with the squad in Cardiff since last week but has been unable to train with his teammates due to the injury concern.
Speaking to the media ahead of Ghana’s international friendly against Wales on Tuesday, June 2, Queiroz confirmed that the technical team had decided to replace Djiku and insisted the squad still has enough quality in defence.
“We have to make a decision and replace Djiku. It doesn’t matter who the player that I called was; Djiku was replaced,” Queiroz said.
“Now we’re in the same group of central backs in camp. The names you know, you saw them today on the pitch. So we’re ready to take off.”
In response to Djiku’s absence, the Black Stars have handed a late call-up to Pafos defender Derrick Luckassen, who recently received his first invitation to the senior national team.
Luckassen is expected to strengthen Ghana’s defensive options as the team intensifies preparations for the World Cup.
Following the clash against Wales, the Black Stars will continue their preparations with another friendly against Jamaica on June 10.
Ghana, who will be making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.
The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field before facing England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium. They will conclude their group-stage matches against Croatia on June 27.
Ghana will be aiming to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
