BY NADIA NTIAMOAH
Ghana’s hopes of having Mohammed Kudus fully fit for the start of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign have suffered a setback after Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi admitted the midfielder is still some way from reaching his best physical condition.
Kudus has returned to competitive action after a lengthy injury layoff that kept him out since January 2026, making three substitute appearances for Tottenham. However, De Zerbi’s latest assessment suggests the Ghana international may not yet be ready to handle the demands of international football.
The 25-year-old made his long-awaited comeback against Newcastle United late last month before receiving further substitute appearances against Nottingham Forest and Everton. His gradual return has been carefully managed as Tottenham seek to rebuild his match fitness.
Speaking ahead of Tottenham’s Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool, De Zerbi grouped Kudus with Mateus Fernandez and Connor Gallagher as players still short of optimal condition.
“Mat Fernandez, Connor Gallagher and Kudus are not in the best condition yet,” the Tottenham boss said.
Despite the concern, De Zerbi clearly sees an important role for Kudus in Tottenham’s attacking plans. The coach indicated that the Ghanaian can operate in a more advanced No.10 position, where his attacking qualities can be used to greater effect.
“Kudus can play number 10, more offensive. The idea is to use the characteristics of the players in the first eleven,” De Zerbi explained.
For Ghana, however, the timing of Kudus’ fitness concerns could not be more important. The midfielder missed the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign because of injury and was expected to make a significant return to the national team for the opening 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Ghana are scheduled to face Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24 before hosting The Gambia in Accra three days later. With Kudus still being eased back into action, questions will remain over whether he will be sufficiently fit to feature—and, if selected, whether he can contribute for the full intensity required.
