Queiroz provides insight into Kudus’ decision to withdraw from Black Stars squad

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has shed light on Mohammed Kudus' decision to withdraw from the Ghana squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Kudus, a 26-year-old forward, was initially included in the squad for the matches against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia. However, he decided to withdraw after playing for Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League match against Aston Villa.

Queiroz admitted that his initial conversations with Kudus were positive, but the situation shifted following Kudus' appearance for his club. The Portuguese coach acknowledged that national team coaches do not hold complete control over players' decisions at the club level. "It is simple for you guys to understand. In the course of our decisions as national team coaches, we cannot control the decisions of club coaches," Queiroz explained.

Following Kudus' 70-plus minutes of play for Tottenham, the coach and the forward had a brief discussion, leading to the decision for Kudus to rest and recover properly. Queiroz emphasized that decisions are based on the information available at the time. "We have to make decisions based on the information we have in our hands," he concluded.

Kudus' absence from the squad means he will miss Ghana's opening two AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.