West Ham United accused of being ‘stubborn’ over Mohammed Kudus stance ahead of AFCON
West Ham United have been accused by journalist Owuraku Ampofo of being “stubborn” over their Mohammed Kudus stance ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Irons asked Ghana to let Kudus play in Tuesday’s (2 December) Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion before linking up with his country.
However, they were unsuccessful with their attempt [Alex Crook, 1 January] and Kudus was released by his club on New Year’s Day as FIFA rules state.
3Sports Ghana journalist Ampofo has criticised West Ham and Athletic Bilbao – who tried to do likewise with Inaki Williams – for trying to intervene.
“West Ham and Athletic Club want to be stubborn lol,” he posted on his personal Twitter account [2 January]. “They probably want to pepper Ghana small but everything should be fine.”
Worth a try
West Ham were unfortunate in that the fixture with Brighton was moved to the Tuesday (2 January) slot, meaning Kudus was not available.
Had the game been 24 hours earlier, it is likely he would have played, just like Mohammed Salah for Liverpool against Newcastle United.
Kudus’ absence was certainly felt against Brighton and United offered next to nothing in an attacking sense in a boring 0-0 draw.
The Ghanaian not being involved has coincided with Lucas Paqueta’s injury lay-off, meaning David Moyes is now very light in the final third in terms of top-quality options.
Kudus is expected to be away for the next month, so it could be a tricky period for the Hammers if others do not step up in the meantime.
West Ham certainly cannot be blamed for asking if Kudus could link up with his country a day or so later than planned, but at the same time, neither can Ghana be blamed for saying no.
Hopefully the former Ajax ace can light up the tournament and return to London Stadium in the type of form he has showed in the first half of the campaign.
In other West Ham news, a 3/10 performer was particularly bad in the draw with Brighton.