Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus has withdrawn from the Black Stars squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia as he continues rebuilding his fitness following a lengthy injury absence.

The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder had initially been included in head coach Carlos Queiroz's 24 man squad for the international window, raising expectations that he would make his return to international football.

However, Kudus has opted to remain with Tottenham as he continues working towards full fitness following his recent return to competitive action.

The decision has been communicated to the Ghana Football Association and the Black Stars technical team.

KUDUS RETURN TO BLACK STARS DELAYED

Kudus had been one of the most notable names in Queiroz's squad announced on September 18.

His inclusion marked his first Black Stars call up in almost a year after injury kept him away from international duty and ruled him out of Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

The 26 year old recently returned to action for Tottenham but has been gradually reintegrated into competitive football.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi recently acknowledged that Kudus was improving physically after initially saying the midfielder had not yet returned to his best condition.

Kudus subsequently progressed sufficiently to make his first start of the season in Tottenham's Carabao Cup match against Liverpool.

KUDUS OPTS TO REMAIN WITH TOTTENHAM

JoySports reports that Kudus has decided to remain in London during the international period to continue his recovery and fitness programme with Tottenham.

The decision means his anticipated return to the Black Stars will be delayed again.

Ghana had hoped to welcome the midfielder back as the national team begins its qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Kudus remains one of Ghana's most important attacking players and has been a regular member of the national team when fit.

GHANA PREPARES FOR CÔTE D'IVOIRE

The Black Stars begin their AFCON qualifying campaign away against Côte d'Ivoire on September 24.

The match will be played in Bouaké.

Ghana will then return home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Black Stars are attempting to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the previous tournament.

Queiroz had named Kudus alongside several returning players as Ghana prepared for the opening qualifiers.

His withdrawal leaves the coach without one of the team's most prominent attacking options for the two matches.

FOCUS REMAINS ON FULL RECOVERY

For Kudus, the immediate priority will now be rebuilding his physical condition and establishing consistent playing time at Tottenham.

His recent appearances represent an important step following months on the sidelines.

The decision to withdraw from the Ghana squad gives him additional time to work with Tottenham's medical and coaching staff without the demands of international travel and two competitive fixtures.

No new injury has been announced in connection with his withdrawal.

His absence instead comes as he continues managing his return following the lengthy injury layoff.

The Black Stars will now prepare for their opening AFCON qualifiers without Kudus as Ghana's wait to see the midfielder back in international football continues.