'Frustrating blow' - Antoine Semenyo reacts to Mohammed Kudus injury relapse

Black Stars forward Antoine Semenyo has described teammate Mohammed Kudus’ latest injury setback as “frustrating,” underlining the importance of the Spurs midfielder to Ghana’s 2026 World Cup hopes.

Speaking on the All Out Football Podcast, Semenyo said Kudus’ relapse in his recovery from a quad injury is a major blow for the Black Stars, especially given his role as a key creative force in the team.

“He relapsed during his comeback from his quad injury. It’s frustrating because he is a pivotal factor in the team for sure [we] just have to see how it goes,” he said.

Kudus, who moved to Tottenham Hotspur last summer, had been sidelined since January 2026 with a significant quad injury sustained in a Premier League match against Sunderland.

After showing signs of a return to training, he suffered a fresh setback that could see him assessed by a specialist and possibly require surgery, casting serious doubt over his availability for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Semenyo, talking about Ghana’s preparations for the tournament, noted that Kudus is a “pivotal factor” in the squad, and his potential absence leaves a big gap in the Black Stars’ attacking options.

With Ghana drawn against England, Croatia, and Panama in Group L, losing Kudus would mean the team must lean more heavily on other midfielders and front players to provide the same level of creativity and goal threat.

At club level, Kudus has been a major contributor for Spurs this season, amassing around three goals and six assists in 26 appearances across competitions before his lay‑off.

His injury leaves both Tottenham and the Black Stars dealing with the challenge of planning without one of their most dynamic wide attackers, while Semenyo’s comments highlight the emotional toll such setbacks can have on teammates and the wider squad.

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