Mohammed Salisu described his return to competitive football as an “amazing feeling” after coming off the bench in AS Monaco’s 2-1 Ligue 1 win over Lens.
The Ghana defender made his long-awaited comeback on Friday, bringing an eight-month spell on the sidelines to an end after suffering an ACL injury in January.
Salisu, 27, was introduced in the 90th minute as Monaco held on for victory. It was his first competitive appearance since sustaining the serious knee injury.
“It’s been a long and hard time. I am happy to be back. I hope to get more minutes. It’s a big step for me,” Salisu said after the match.
The centre-back underwent surgery after the injury and spent several months completing his rehabilitation. He returned to collective training with Monaco in August before being named among the substitutes against Lens.
His brief appearance marks a significant milestone in his recovery, with Salisu now beginning the process of regaining match fitness and competing for a regular place in Monaco’s defence.
The lengthy absence also ruled him out of Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. He was not included in Carlos Queiroz’s latest 24-man squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Cote d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
Salisu will now aim to build on his return by earning more playing time for Monaco as he continues his recovery from the ACL injury.