Ghana ‘s Defender Derrick Luckassen has earned a late black stars call up amid concerns over Alexander Djiku reported injury as the team continue preparations in Cardiff ahead of their international friendly against Wales.
The change comes at a crucial stage of Ghana’s build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with head coach Carlos -Queiroz using the final days of preparation to finalize his 26-man squad and tactical structure.
Djiku, who plays for FC Spartak Moscow, picked up a late-season injury at club level which has ruled him out of immediate international duty. The setback has forced the technical team to make a late adjustment to their defensive options just days before the friendly.
In response, Luckassen has already joined the Black Stars training camp in Wales and is fully integrated into the squad as he looks to seize his opportunity ahead of the tournament.
The timing of the change adds further significance to Ghana’s upcoming friendly against Wales, scheduled for June 2 at the Cardiff City Stadium. The match is expected to play a key role in helping Queiroz finalise his final 26-man World Cup squad.
The Ghana coach is using the fixture as both an evaluation exercise and a final selection test, with several players still battling for places in the tournament squad.
Djiku’s absence will be felt given his experience and importance in the national team setup, but Luckassen now has a chance to step in and strengthen his case for inclusion in the final World Cup roster.
With competition for defensive places already intense, the friendly in Cardiff will offer a final opportunity for players to prove their readiness before the squad is officially trimmed ahead of the tournament
