Derrick Luckassen Joins Black Stars Camp as World Cup Beckons
Derrick Luckassen has linked up with the Black Stars camp as Ghana intensify preparations for Tuesday’s international friendly against Wales, with the defender edging closer to a place in the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The arrival of the experienced centre-back comes at a crucial moment for the national team following an injury setback suffered by Alexander Djiku.
The Fenerbahce defender is facing a race against time to recover, with growing concerns that he could miss the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
As a result, Luckassen has emerged as the leading candidate to fill the defensive vacancy in Carlos Queiroz’s squad, subject to final confirmation.
The 30-year-old earned his first senior Ghana call-up earlier this year and made his debut in the friendly encounter against Germany in March. Since then, his strong performances at club level have strengthened his case for a place on football’s biggest stage.
Luckassen enjoyed a standout campaign with Cypriot champions Pafos FC, playing a vital role in their domestic success while also helping the club make an impact in European competition.
His performances in the UEFA Champions League are believed to have impressed Ghana’s technical handlers. The defender made eight appearances in the competition and scored once against Villareal, showcasing both his defensive reliability and attacking threat.
The Black Stars will continue their preparations with a friendly against Wales before turning their full attention to the World Cup. Should Djiku ultimately be ruled out, Luckassen appears set to seize a significant opportunity to establish himself as a key figure in Ghana’s defence on the global stage.
