Mohammed Kudus’ return to competitive football has handed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz a major boost as Ghana prepares for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Tottenham midfielder ended an eight-month injury layoff last Saturday when he came off the bench in Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
Kudus had been sidelined for 237 days after suffering an injury during Tottenham’s Premier League encounter with Sunderland on January 4.
The 26-year-old was initially expected to return after the international break in March, but his comeback was delayed, forcing him to miss 25 matches for the English club.
His return comes at a crucial time for the Black Stars, with Ghana set to begin their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign next month.
Ghana will travel to Bouaké to face Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix on September 24, 2026, before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29.
Kudus’ creativity, attacking ability and experience could prove vital to Queiroz as he looks to build a strong midfield ahead of the qualifiers.
The Tottenham star’s absence had previously been considered a major setback for Ghana, with his creativity notably missed in the Black Stars’ midfield during the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Queiroz has also received another boost with the return of midfielder Kofi Kyereh, who has begun making his way back into competitive football after a lengthy injury absence.
Kyereh played his first major competitive football since February 2023 after suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a training session with SC Freiburg.
The midfielder underwent surgery but was subsequently sidelined for an extended period due to rehabilitation complications and recurring knee problems.
He resumed his comeback in January 2026 and has continued to work towards regaining full fitness and competitive sharpness.
Kyereh is regarded as one of Ghana’s dependable midfield options, and his return provides Queiroz with another player capable of adding creativity and versatility to the Black Stars’ midfield.
With Kudus and Kyereh both back on the pitch, the Ghana coach will be hoping the two midfielders can maintain their fitness and regain their best form before the September qualifiers.
Ghana’s opening assignments against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia will provide an early test of Queiroz’s rebuilding efforts, with the availability of key midfielders expected to be crucial to the Black Stars’ ambitions.
