2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Carlos Queiroz explains why Mohammed Kudus withdrew from Ghana squad

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has explained why Mohammed Kudus withdrew from Ghana's squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.

The Tottenham Hotspur forward was initially included in the 24-man squad for the two matches but has since pulled out to focus on his recovery after a lengthy injury absence.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Queiroz said discussions with the 26-year-old had initially suggested he would be available for selection before circumstances changed following his return to club action.

The Portuguese coach stressed that national team managers do not always have the final say when it comes to players' workloads and availability.

"It is simple for you guys to understand. In the course of our decisions as national team coaches, we cannot control the decisions of club coaches," Queiroz said.

"In the course of our conversations, it looked like Kudus was moving in the right direction. After playing 70-something minutes for Tottenham, we had a little conversation with him and decided it would be best for him to rest and recover properly.

"We have to make decisions based on the information we have in our hands."

Kudus recently returned from an injury layoff that ruled him out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Queiroz believes a cautious approach is the best option at this stage of the player's recovery.

Ghana open their AFCON qualifying campaign with a difficult away fixture against Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September.

The Black Stars will then host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later as they seek to make a strong start in Group C.

Queiroz's side will conclude the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.