Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has explained the decision to withdraw Mohammed Kudus from Ghana’s squad ahead of the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and Gambia.
The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was initially expected to be part of Queiroz’s squad for the qualifiers, but his absence has now been confirmed, with the Black Stars coach indicating that the player is not yet ready to return to international action.
“He is not ready; we have to protect him. National team coaches have no control over clubs,” Queiroz said, explaining the circumstances surrounding Kudus’ withdrawal.
Kudus has been managing his fitness as he continues his recovery and return to full competitive sharpness. His situation has consequently required careful consideration from both his club and the national team, particularly with Ghana facing a demanding run of international fixtures.
Queiroz’s comments underline the limits of a national team coach’s influence over players who are contracted to clubs. While the Black Stars technical team is responsible for assessing players when they join the national setup, decisions regarding a player’s day-to-day training, workload and medical management ultimately remain closely connected to the player’s club.
For Ghana, Kudus’ absence represents the loss of one of the team’s key attacking midfield options at a crucial stage of the AFCON qualification campaign. The 25-year-old has established himself as an important figure for the Black Stars, capable of operating in several attacking positions and contributing both creatively and in front of goal.
However, Queiroz appears unwilling to take unnecessary risks with the midfielder’s fitness, particularly when the player is yet to reach the level required for international competition.
The Black Stars are preparing for their qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and Gambia as they begin their campaign to secure qualification for the 2027 AFCON tournament. Ghana will therefore have to find alternative solutions in the attacking department while Kudus continues his recovery and works towards returning to full fitness.
Kudus’ withdrawal also means that the Black Stars technical team will have to manage the squad carefully during the international window, with Queiroz expected to rely on the other attacking options available to him.
The Portuguese coach has stressed the importance of protecting players when they are not fully ready, and Kudus’ case is the latest example of the balance national team coaches must strike between the demands of international football and the physical condition of their players.
For now, Ghana will proceed without one of its most influential attacking players, while Kudus focuses on regaining full fitness and returning to action when he is considered ready.
