Alex Crook moots Ghana ‘change of heart’ on Mohammed Kudus decision ahead of West Ham United v Brighton
Mohammed Kudus will play no part for West Ham against Brighton and Hove Albion “barring a change of heart” from Ghana, according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.
Kudus has been named in Ghana’s squad for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, which begins on 13 January and runs for a month.
West Ham are said to have pleaded with the Black Stars to let Kudus play against Brighton before linking up with his national side, but that was rejected.
Crook posted on his personal Twitter page [1 January]: “Ghana have rejected #WHUFC request to allow Mohammed Kudus to report late for AFCON duty. Barring a change of heart he will not play v #BHAFC tomorrow.”
Worth a try
Kudus has been a revelation since arriving from Ajax in the summer and his absence through January will be felt massively.
As per FIFA regulations, clubs have to release any players called up for AFCON duty on 1 January, so West Ham do not have a leg to stand on.
There was no harm in asking Ghana to delay calling up Kudus, but at the same time it is entirely understandable they said no.
Had the game with Brighton been on Monday (1 January) and not Tuesday (2 January), West Ham may have had better luck.
David Moyes will no doubt have a plan in place to cope without Kudus, with more pressure now on the likes of Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen.
With Paqueta also currently sidelined due to injury, it may be that Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma get the nod out wide against Brighton.
After a positive run of form, let’s just hope this Kudus news does not derail the Hammers’ campaign.
In other West Ham news, legal action is pending at the club as a £6.5million payment was highlighted in the club’s accounts.