Mohammed Kudus Returns to Tottenham XI After 257 Days

Mohammed Kudus finally heard his name read out in a Tottenham starting XI again – 257 days after his last start for the club in England – but his return ended in frustration as Liverpool dumped Spurs out of the English League Cup at Anfield.

The Ghanaian forward, restored to the lineup for the third-round tie, lasted 75 minutes in a lively but ultimately fruitless outing as Liverpool ran out 3–1 winners to reach the next round.

A Big Chance, A Big Miss

Kudus did not ease his way back. He buzzed around the Liverpool half, always looking to turn and drive at defenders, and his key moment arrived just after the half-hour mark.

Tottenham were already 1–0 down when the ball broke for the 26-year-old in the 32nd minute. It was the kind of opening forwards crave: close range, a real sight of goal, the away end holding its breath. Kudus leaned over the ball and went for power.

The shot flew over.

It was the chance to drag Spurs level, to flip the mood of the night. Instead, the opportunity vanished into the Anfield air, and Liverpool kept their grip on the tie.

Hooked on 75, Spurs Knocked Out

Kudus kept working, dropping into pockets, trying to knit attacks together as Tottenham chased a response. The game, though, began to tilt further Liverpool’s way.

With 15 minutes left, the Spurs bench made its move. Kudus’ number went up, and he made way for new signing Savio, his first start of the season in England over after 75 minutes. By then, Tottenham were still searching for a way back.

Liverpool closed the door instead. They pushed on to finish 3–1 winners, ending Tottenham’s League Cup campaign on the night Kudus finally returned to the starting fold.

Good News for Ghana?

The defeat will sting at club level, but Kudus’ inclusion from the start sends a different message back home.

His return to the XI is a timely boost for Ghana. As reported by MyJoyOnline, the forward is expected to be named in Carlos Queiroz’s squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Côte d'Ivoire and Gambia.

A missed chance at Anfield, yes. But for Ghana, the bigger story is that Mohammed Kudus is back on the pitch, starting games again – and just in time for another major qualifying campaign.