Mohammed Kudus return raises big question for Roberto De Zerbi and Tottenham

Mohammed Kudus’ return to Tottenham’s matchday squad has given Roberto De Zerbi a welcome selection dilemma, but the Italian now faces a key question: where is the best place to use the Ghanaian?

After eight months away from competitive football, Kudus has finally begun his gradual return from the serious quad injury that disrupted his first full year at Tottenham.

The 26-year-old came off the bench in the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on August 29 before making another substitute appearance in last weekend’s goalless draw with Nottingham Forest. His return has been carefully managed, but De Zerbi’s next challenge will be finding a role that maximises Kudus’ qualities without rushing him back into a demanding schedule.

Kudus finally sees light after long injury battle

Kudus’ injury arrived at a particularly frustrating time. He had scored for Tottenham against Slavia Prague in the Champions League only weeks before suffering the quad problem in early January.

What initially offered hope of a return before the end of the campaign eventually turned into a much longer absence after an April setback.

The Ghana international subsequently spent months undergoing rehabilitation, combining physiotherapy, gym work and individual training as Tottenham continued without him. He also missed the club’s entire pre-season under De Zerbi and remained at Hotspur Way while his teammates travelled to New Zealand and Australia.

His two brief appearances in the new campaign therefore represent an important step forward.

De Zerbi was encouraged by what he saw against Forest, saying Kudus “played well”. That assessment suggests the winger could soon be ready for a more substantial role, potentially beginning with a first start since January 4.

The No.10 role could hold the answer

The biggest question for De Zerbi is not whether Kudus deserves to play, but where he should play.

During his first season in north London, Kudus was used predominantly on the right wing, producing three goals and six assists in 26 appearances.

Tottenham’s attacking options have since changed considerably. The arrival of Savio from Manchester City for £85 million gives De Zerbi another high-quality option on the right, while Omar Marmoush and Mykhailo Mudryk provide further competition across the attacking positions.

That could open the door for Kudus to move into the No.10 position — a role he has previously identified as his preferred position.

“[My best position is] like a No.10, attacking-midfielder. That’s where I’ve played all my years since I was a kid. Recently, I’ve played on the wings or even as a striker sometimes but I’ve always been a midfielder,” Kudus told Sky Sports in 2024.

Tottenham have a versatile weapon

Kudus’ record at West Ham United demonstrated why De Zerbi has several options.

The Ghanaian played across the front three and also operated as a No.10, finishing his spell with 19 goals and 13 assists in 80 appearances. His versatility means Tottenham do not necessarily have to commit him to one position.

The left flank is another possibility, although that could depend on where De Zerbi ultimately sees Marmoush fitting into his system. The Egyptian is capable of playing from the left or centrally and has recently been used as a striker.

For now, the priority will be ensuring Kudus regains his fitness without being overloaded. Tottenham face Everton in the Premier League this Saturday before meeting Liverpool in the Carabao Cup days later, giving De Zerbi an opportunity to gradually increase his minutes.