Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has given Ghana a major fitness boost by confirming that Mohammed Kudus is physically ready to start a match.
De Zerbi made the announcement ahead of Tottenham’s Carabao Cup third-round clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday, September 15.
“Kudus can start, because in terms of physical condition he’s better, James not yet,” De Zerbi said.
The 26-year-old has made three consecutive substitute appearances since returning from a seven-month injury layoff caused by a quad problem.
Kudus returned to action against Newcastle United on August 29, where he played 22 minutes and has gradually increased his involvement, including a substitute appearance in Saturday’s goalless draw with Everton. He played 27 minutes in that game.
De Zerbi’s latest assessment raises the possibility of Kudus making his first start for Spurs against Liverpool, which would be another important step in his recovery.
The development will be closely monitored by Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz ahead of the Black Stars’ opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
Ghana travel to Bouaké to face Côte d’Ivoire on September 24 before hosting The Gambia in Accra five days later.
Kudus’ availability for the qualifiers had been uncertain following his lengthy spell on the sidelines. He missed the second half of last season and Ghana’s 2026 World Cup campaign because of the injury. However, his return to competitive football has raised hopes that he could be included in Queiroz’s squad.
The focus will now be on how much playing time Kudus can get before the international break. While De Zerbi believes he is physically ready to start, the Ghanaian still needs to regain full match sharpness after 237 days out of action.
Kudus has established himself as a key player for Ghana since making his international debut, and his creativity and attacking ability could be crucial as the Black Stars begin their bid to qualify for the 2027 AFCON.
A start against Liverpool could therefore provide a further indication of whether Kudus will be ready to lead Ghana’s attack in the qualifiers.
