Roberto De Zerbi Confirms Mohammed Kudus Closing in on Full Fitness Ahead of Carabao Cup Clash

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has opened up about the gradual return of Mohammed Kudus, noting that the 25-year-old playmaker is still working his way back to peak physical condition after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Kudus has made three consecutive substitute appearances since returning to action following a long-term injury that kept him out of commission since January 2026. His comeback kicked off against Newcastle United late last month, followed by further appearances off the bench against Nottingham Forest and Everton.

Speaking ahead of Tottenham’s Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool, De Zerbi grouped Kudus alongside teammates Mateus Fernandez and Connor Gallagher as players still working to reach optimal fitness.

“Mat Fernandez, Connor Gallagher and Kudus are not in the best condition yet,” De Zerbi stated.

Tactical Role and Future Plans

Despite acknowledging his current fitness constraints, the Spurs boss expressed confidence in Kudus’s ability to impact matches in the final third as his recovery progresses.

“Kudus can play number 10, more offensive. The idea is to use the characteristics of the players in the first eleven,” De Zerbi explained.

The midfielder’s gradual reintegration will also be closely watched on the international front. Kudus was forced to miss Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign due to his injury, but he is widely anticipated to return to Black Stars contention later this month as the team kicks off their AFCON 2027 qualifying fixtures against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.