Ghanaian attacker Mohammed Kudus has been left out of Tottenham Hotspur’s 35-player squad for the club’s pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia, dealing the winger another setback in his battle to regain full fitness.
Tottenham confirmed that Kudus will remain at Hotspur Way alongside Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odobert as the injured players continue their rehabilitation programmes under the club’s medical team.
The decision means Kudus will miss valuable preparation matches against Auckland FC at Eden Park on July 26, Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on July 29 and Premier League rivals Chelsea at Accor Stadium on August 1.
Kudus has not featured for Tottenham since suffering a serious quadriceps tendon injury during a match against Sunderland in January. Initial expectations suggested he could return after the March international break, but his recovery was later disrupted by another setback.
His absence represents a significant concern for head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who previously described the Ghana international as an important part of his attacking plans. The manager must now prepare for the new campaign without knowing exactly when one of his most dangerous forwards will be ready for competitive action.
There had been growing optimism after Kudus was seen working in the gym and stepping up his rehabilitation at Tottenham’s training centre. However, the club has chosen not to risk him on the long-distance tour, allowing him to continue receiving specialist attention in North London.
The injury also prevented the 25-year-old from representing Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Black Stars reached the Round of 32 before being eliminated by Colombia. His extended absence has therefore been painful for both club and country.
Tottenham will hope keeping Kudus in England gives him the best opportunity to complete his recovery before the Premier League season begins.
For Kudus, the immediate priority will be avoiding another setback and returning at full strength. The Ghanaian has already demonstrated his ability to create chances, beat defenders and score spectacular goals, but his next major challenge will be proving that his body is ready for the demands of a full campaign.
His omission is a blow, but it does not mean he has fallen out of Tottenham’s plans. Instead, it underlines the seriousness of an injury that continues to delay his highly anticipated return.
