Djiku Injury Forces Black Stars to Replace Key Defender Before World Cup

The 31-year-old Spartak Moscow centre-back picked up the injury in his club's Russian Cup final and couldn't train fully, leading Queiroz to replace him with Derrick Luckassen from Pafos FC as the final 26-man squad deadline hits today. Luckassen, who debuted against Germany in March and scored six goals this season, brings European experience and Champions League pedigree despite a history of yellow cards. Ghana's Black Stars opened camp in Cardiff on May 25 for prep ahead of their friendly against Wales and Group L matches against Panama, England, and Croatia starting June 18.