Ghana: Kudus still lacking match fitness ahead of clash with Ivory Coast
With nine days to go until Ivory Coast–Ghana, Roberto De Zerbi believes Mohammed Kudus still needs to build up his fitness. The attacking midfielder has recently returned to competitive action after a long absence.
Mohammed Kudus has yet to regain his best physical condition just nine days before Ghana’s trip to Ivory Coast, scheduled for September 24 for the opening match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi acknowledged this on Monday, the day before the Carabao Cup match against Liverpool.
The Italian coach placed the Ghanaian international among several players who still need to build up their physical fitness. Kudus has returned to competitive action after a long absence due to an injury sustained in January and has gradually been regaining minutes with Tottenham in recent weeks.
In his pre-match press conference, De Zerbi stated that Kudus was “not yet in his best condition.” However, he highlighted the player’s offensive versatility, noting that he is capable of playing as a number 10 in a more attacking role.
The situation is being closely monitored as Ghana prepares for its first gathering since the 2026 World Cup. The CAF has scheduled the Ivory Coast–Ghana clash for Thursday, September 24, at 7:00 pm GMT as part of the first matchday of Group C.
The Black Stars will then host Gambia on Tuesday, September 29, at 4:00 pm GMT. Ghana shares this group with Ivory Coast, Gambia, and Somalia. The top two teams from this group, which does not include any host nations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, will qualify for the final phase.
Before this international window, Kudus remains available to Tottenham. The Spurs face Liverpool this Tuesday evening at Anfield in the Carabao Cup, a match for which De Zerbi indicated he might give playing time to several players still seeking match rhythm.
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