Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi says Mohammed Kudus is still “not in the best condition”, casting fresh doubt over the midfielder’s availability for Ghana’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The 25-year-old has made three substitute appearances since returning from a long-term injury that had kept him out since January 2026, but De Zerbi insists the Black Stars midfielder is still working his way back to full fitness.
Kudus made his comeback against Newcastle United late last month before featuring off the bench against Nottingham Forest and Everton.
Speaking to the media ahead of Tottenham’s Carabao Cup tie with Liverpool tonight, De Zerbi listed Kudus alongside Mateus Fernandez and Connor Gallagher as players who are yet to reach peak physical condition.
“Mat Fernandez, Connor Gallagher and Kudus are not in the best condition yet,” he said.
The Italian also suggested Kudus could offer Tottenham a more attacking option once he is fully fit.
“Kudus can play number 10, more offensive. The idea is to use the characteristics of the players in the first eleven.”
Kudus missed Ghana’s entire 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign through injury and had been expected to make his international return later this month, when the Black Stars face Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia in their opening AFCON 2027 qualifying matches.
However, De Zerbi’s latest assessment raises questions over whether the former West Ham midfielder will be ready in time for Carlos Queiroz’s squad announcement.
