On Friday, Mohammed Salisu played his first minutes of the season in AS Monaco's 2-1 victory against Lens, marking his eagerly awaited comeback to professional football.

After a taxing 258-day absence due to a serious Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury sustained early in January, the Ghanaian defender returned to the field as a stoppage-time substitute in the 90+1st minute.

His brief but important appearance marked the completion of a rigorous rehabilitation procedure that kept one of Africa's best defensive players inactive for most of the year, and it was a huge relief for both club and nation.

Salisu's protracted absence was a devastating setback, especially as it prevented him from playing for the Ghana Black Stars in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.


Ghana greatly missed their main anchor during the tournament's group stages without his physical presence, aerial supremacy, and poise in the defensive heart.

His comeback strengthens Monaco's defense as they negotiate a demanding domestic and European calendar and gives Ghana's impending international campaigns an instant, significant boost.

The 27-year-old center-back will probably be eased back into the starting lineup by managerial staff, but his successful return to full fitness gives both teams the leadership, superior placement, and tactical consistency they need to meet their season goals.