Mohammed Kudus has undergone surgery following his latest injury setback, with Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz still hopeful the midfielder could feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Tottenham Hotspur F.C. attacker is currently recovering after initially deciding against surgery despite recommendations from the club’s medical staff.

Kudus had been sidelined since January with a quad injury before suffering a fresh hamstring setback that raised concerns over his availability for the tournament.

Tottenham’s medical team reportedly advised surgery following specialist assessments, viewing it as the best option for his long-term recovery. However, the Ghana international initially opted for a conservative rehabilitation programme because of concerns that surgery could rule him out of the World Cup.

The 25-year-old has now undergone the procedure and begun rehabilitation under close medical supervision.

The development has renewed hopes within the Black Stars camp that Kudus could recover in time for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Queiroz is understood to be considering including Kudus in Ghana’s final World Cup squad, with optimism growing that the midfielder could return in time for Ghana’s final Group L match against Croatia national football team.

There is also hope he could be available for the knockout stages should Ghana progress beyond the group phase.

If selected, it would mark Kudus’ second FIFA World Cup appearance after featuring prominently for the Black Stars at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Kudus was regarded as Ghana’s standout player at the 2022 World Cup, scoring twice in the team’s 3-2 win over South Korea national football team.

The midfielder has scored 13 goals in 46 appearances for Ghana since making his debut in 2019.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, Stephen Appiah, has admitted that Kudus’ possible absence would be a major setback for the national team.

“We know his contribution to the team, but even during playing days, when a player is not available, we went ahead to play the game, so we should go ahead with that level of belief that when someone is not around, someone will be there to replace him,” Appiah told Asempa FM.

“Kudus is him, and when he is available, and he plays, he gives the team a lift, but we should just pray and see what happens because I am equally impressed with the performance of some of our players playing abroad,” he added.

Before his injury setback, Kudus had made 19 appearances and scored two goals for Tottenham this season.

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England national football team, Croatia, and Panama national football team.

The Black Stars will open their World Cup campaign against Panama at BMO Field in Toronto on June 17 before facing England in Boston on June 23.

Ghana will conclude the group stage against Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 27.

The Black Stars head into the tournament aiming to improve on their group-stage exits at the 2014 and 2022 World Cups.