Mohammed Kudus could be set for West Ham United return sooner than expected after what happened yesterday
Mohammed Kudus could return to West Ham quicker than anybody had expected after his Ghana side lost their opening Africa Cup of Nations clash against Cape Verde on 14 January.
The opening-day defeat means that if Ghana lose against Egypt on 18 January they would likely be dumped out of the competition at the earliest stage, which would see Kudus make an early return to East London.
After suffering a hamstring injury, the Hammers star missed the opening game but is expected to return to the squad to play Egypt to give his country the best chance of progressing in the tournament.
AFCON is running from 13 January to 11 February, and with Ghana one of the early favourites to win the tournament, many expected Kudus to arrive back at the London Stadium after the latest date, including a rest period following the end of the competition.
However, should Ghana be dumped out after just two games, they will play their final group game against Mozambique on 22 January, with the outcome irrelevant, and the Black Stars’ players will return to their respective clubs.
The Hammers’ concerns surrounding their key man’s recovery from a hamstring injury [Claret & Hugh, 13 January] were heard by Chris Hughton and, despite some initial worries that he may feature in the opening game, he was rested for the defeat.
He will look to give the side the strongest possible chance of beating Mohammed Salah’s Egypt, who also suffered a shock result in their first group game as they drew 2-2 with Mozambique.
As much as Hammers fans would be happy for Kudus should he help his country progress through the stages of AFCON, but his possible return will be good news as far as West Ham are concerned amid their ongoing injury crisis at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, a journalist has suggested it will be a key week for West Ham in the transfer market.