Mohammed Kudus news emerges ahead of West Ham United v Brighton
West Ham United have suffered a new “ludicrous” blow as Mohammed Kudus is set to miss the clash with Brighton, according to Claret & Hugh.
The outlet reported on its website on Saturday (30 December) that Ghana manager Chris Hughton has insisted that Hammers winger is left out of Tuesday (2 January) night’s clash with the Seagulls ahead of the African Cup of Nations.
Hughton wants the 23-year-old to be rested to avoid any potential injury ahead of the tournament, which begins on 13 January and Nayef Aguerd could also be absent once again before joining up with the Morocco side for the tournament.
Absolutely ridiculous
It seems ridiculous that national sides are able to dictate if and when their players are included in matchday squads for their club, especially when they are already set to miss up to a month of football in the middle of the domestic campaign.
Had the clash between West Ham and Brighton been played on Saturday rather than Tuesday night, Ghana would have likely had no reason to suggest that the 23-year-old should be left out and therefore the Hammers have fallen victim to the Premier League’s scheduling.
Few players in the Premier League, let alone in the Hammers squad have been in as inspired form as Kudus so far this season. The Ghanaian was electric against both Manchester United and Arsenal and it will be a huge blow to be without him against Brighton.
The loss of Aguerd isn’t quite as worrying as Konstantinos Mavropanos has managed to step up in the defender’s absence, but David Moyes isn’t exactly spoilt with too many attacking options in his ranks at the London Stadium.
Kudus’ absence may provide an opportunity for either Pablo Fornals or Said Benrahma to breathe new life into their West Ham careers as they continue to be linked with January transfers away from East London.
In other West Ham news, Michael Brown has admitted that he is baffled by Moyes’ contract situation ahead of the Brighton clash