Mohammed Kudus injury update emerges in Ghana and West Ham United news
Ghana are hopeful West Ham star Mohammed Kudus will be fit to play in their opening African Cup of Nations fixture with Cape Verde after he took part in a training session, according to The Athletic.
The news outlet reported on 10 January that Kudus linked up with his international teammates on Tuesday [9 January], after he has been receiving treatment for a hamstring injury.
West Ham news source Claret & Hugh reported on 9 January that the Hammers hope he will not be risked in the opening group game and instead is rested until their second fixture against Egypt.
Don’t take unnecessary risks
With West Ham hoping their star man will not be rushed straight back into the Ghana team to play Cape Verde on 14 January, there is clear concern for his recovery progress and fears that he may make the situation worse if he is rushed back into the fold.
Ghana, however, are keen to have their star man back as quickly as possible to boost their chances of going all the way and winning AFCON for the first time since 1982, something Kudus will want to be a key part of.
David Moyes will have his fingers crossed that Chris Hughton allows his star player the rest and eases him back into the team, but the Ghana boss must also do what is best for his team and what gives them the best chance of winning the tournament, so he will need his best players out there.
The risk is that, if Kudus is rushed back to playing, the injury will become worse. That would be a huge blow to both teams – Ghana for their AFCON hopes and West Ham for their season – so the logical move would be to allow him extra rest.
In other West Ham news, Crystal Palace now want to sign a Hammers player.