Ghana have received a boost ahead of the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after Mohammed Kudus returned to action for Tottenham Hotspur following a seven-month injury lay-off.

The 26-year-old midfielder came on in the 68th minute of Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, replacing Mathys Tel.

Kudus was unable to change the outcome as Newcastle secured the win through goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa.

His return nevertheless marks the end of a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Kudus had been out since suffering an injury against Sunderland on January 4, 2026, before a relapse in April further delayed his recovery.

He subsequently missed 237 days and 25 matches for Tottenham in all competitions. His absence also ruled him out of Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

Kudus resumed individual training in early August before returning to team sessions as he completed his rehabilitation. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi had indicated ahead of Saturday’s match that the Ghanaian would be included in the squad.

While his return is welcome news for both Tottenham and Ghana, Kudus will now need to rebuild his fitness and sharpness after his extended absence.

His comeback comes just weeks before Ghana begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. The Black Stars are scheduled to travel to Bouake to face Ivory Coast on September 24 before hosting Gambia in Accra on September 27.

Kudus’ return could prove important to Ghana as they seek to secure qualification for the tournament after missing the previous edition.

The defeat to Newcastle leaves Tottenham with two losses from their opening two matches of the campaign.