Alexander Djiku Replacement: Derrick Luckassen Set For Black Stars Call Up Ahead of World Cup
- Alexander Djiku appears set to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with reports suggesting he could be replaced by Derrick Luckassen in the final squad
- The experienced defender is believed to be struggling with an injury sustained during his last club assignment
- Should Luckassen get the nod, he would arrive on the back of an impressive 2025/26 campaign with Pafos FC
- Scotland-based Ghanaian journalist Awal Mohammed Hudu highlighted what Luckassen adds to the Black Stars in an interview with YEN.com.gh
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Ghana's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered an untimely setback, with defender Alexander Djiku reportedly on the verge of missing the tournament through injury.
The centre-back was initially named in Carlos Queiroz's provisional squad for the pre-World Cup friendly against Wales.
Source: Getty Images
However, reports emerging from the Black Stars camp in Cardiff suggest he has been unable to recover from a knock sustained during Spartak Moscow's Russian Cup final victory over FC Krasnodar.
What was initially viewed as a minor concern has now developed into a major headache for the national team.
With Queiroz expected to confirm his final 26-man squad, Djiku's place appears increasingly uncertain.
Derrick Luckassen set to replace Djiku
Should Djiku fail to make the cut, Derrick Luckassen is poised to step into the vacancy.
According to Ghanasoccernet, the versatile defender is the frontrunner to replace the injured Black Stars stalwart, barring any last-minute changes.
Luckassen earned his senior Ghana debut during the international friendly against Germany in March and has steadily strengthened his case for a place in the squad.
His performances for Cypriot champions Pafos FC during the 2025/26 campaign have not gone unnoticed.
The 30-year-old played a pivotal role in the club's domestic success while also making his mark in Europe.
According to Transfermarkt, the Dutch-born defender featured eight times in the UEFA Champions League and chipped in with a goal, showcasing both his defensive qualities and attacking threat.
His consistency, leadership and ability to operate across multiple positions at the back have made him an attractive option as Ghana seeks a reliable replacement.
Source: Getty Images
Derrick Luckassen spotted in Black Stars camp
Adding weight to the reports, a video circulating on social media and first shared by 3Sports appears to show Luckassen already integrated into the Black Stars camp.
Wearing the No. 23 jersey, the defender was seen stepping off the team bus alongside his teammates as they headed out for a training session ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Wales.
Watch Luckassen in the Black Stars camp, as shared on X:
Derrick Luckassen: Djiku's replacement analysed
Reacting to Luckaseen potentially replacing Alexander Djiku, Scotland-based journalist Awal Mohammed Hudu told YEN.com.gh:
"His [Derrick Luckassen's] arrival could provide a timely boost for Carlos Queiroz as the Black Stars coach looks to strengthen his defensive options ahead of the World Cup campaign.
"Admittedly, should Alexander Djiku's absence be confirmed, Ghana would lose one of its most dependable defenders, leaving a sizeable gap at the heart of the backline. However, the situation could open the door for Luckassen to stake his claim on football's biggest stage and establish himself as a trusted member of the national team setup.
Awal, who disclosed he will be watching Ghana's friendly against Wales in Cardiff, then highlighted Luckassen's attributes and what makes him a suitable replacement for Djiku.
"The Pafos defender has enjoyed a solid season and arrives with valuable experience at the highest level.
"While questions have occasionally been raised about his disciplinary record, his aggressive style of defending, physical presence, and ability to pose a threat from set-pieces make him a compelling option.
"In many ways, those qualities mirror some of Djiku's strongest attributes, potentially making Luckassen a natural fit if Queiroz is forced to reshuffle his defence.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars will continue their build-up with a test against Wales before shifting their focus fully to the tournament in North America, where they hope to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since their memorable run in 2010.
GFA explains Paintsil and Köhn absence
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the GFA explained the omission of Joseph Paintsil and Derrick Köhn from Ghana’s squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Their absence from Carlos Queiroz’s provisional squad has dealt a significant blow to their hopes of making the final roster for the tournament.
Source: YEN.com.gh
