Ghana defender Mohammed Salisu says it was an “amazing feeling” to return to competitive action after spending eight months on the sidelines with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The 27-year-old made a late appearance on Friday night in AS Monaco’s 2-1 Ligue 1 win over RC Lens as the Principality club extended its unbeaten start to the 2026/27 campaign under coach Filipe Luís.
Salisu had been out of action since suffering the serious knee injury, a setback that ruled him out for most of last season and Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in North America.
Monaco secured their fourth win in five league matches, with the former Southampton centre-back introduced in the second half.
Although his involvement was brief, Salisu made two clearances as Monaco held on for victory before expressing his delight at being back on the pitch.
“Amazing feeling. It’s been a long time, it’s been a hard time, and I think I’m happy to be back, and I hope I will get more minutes,” Salisu told the club’s media.
“It’s a big step for me; even to get a few minutes to play, it’s an amazing feeling.”
Despite returning to club action, Salisu has been left out of Ghana’s squad for the opening matches of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Ivory Coast and The Gambia as he continues his recovery and builds up match fitness.
