Kudus World Cup return in doubt after injury setback

Ghana international Mohammed Kudus' hopes for a return from a quad injury before the World Cup have taken a hit with Tottenham confirming the forward might need surgery.

The 25-year-old Kudus had been expected to miss three months after getting injured in early January during Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland, as Ghana coach Otto Addo watched.

Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi was expected to address Kudus' status on Friday. A day earlier, the team confirmed that Kudus “suffered a setback in his return from injury.”

“He had returned to team training during the past week, however will now require further specialist review and, potentially, surgery,” the club said in a statement. “We will provide any relevant further updates in due course. We’re all with you, Mo.”

Kudus joined Spurs last summer from West Ham for a reported fee of 55 million pounds ($75 million). He's scored three goals in 26 total appearances this season.

At the World Cup, Ghana plays its opening Group L game against Panama on June 17 in Toronto. The Black Stars then face England on June 23 in Foxborough before playing Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.

At the 2022 edition in Qatar, Kudus scored twice in Ghana's 3-2 win over South Korea. It was Ghana's only victory as it finished last in its group.