Kudus Returns to Spurs XI After 257 Days, Liverpool Eliminates Tottenham

Mohammed Kudus finally heard his name in a Tottenham starting lineup again in England, stepping out at Anfield for his first start for the London club in 257 days. The stage was the third round of the English League Cup. The opponent: Liverpool, in full voice on their own turf.

The Ghanaian forward lasted 75 minutes and threw himself into the contest, constantly looking for space between the lines and trying to drag Spurs back into the tie. His big moment arrived in the 32nd minute.

Tottenham were already 0–1 down, chasing the game, when the ball broke for Kudus in a promising position. From close range, with the away end holding its breath, he went for power. The shot flew over the bar. A huge chance gone, and Anfield roared its approval of the let‑off.

The miss did not kill his intent. Kudus kept demanding the ball, kept running at defenders, kept trying to knit attacks together as Spurs pushed for a response. But the clock kept draining away, and Liverpool’s grip on the match tightened.

With 15 minutes left, the night was over for him. In the 75th minute, Tottenham manager turned to new signing Savio, sending the newcomer on in search of fresh energy and ideas. Kudus made way, his return to the XI complete but not crowned with a goal.

Liverpool did the rest. They added to their advantage, closed out a 3–1 win and sent Tottenham out of the League Cup. Spurs’ campaign in the competition ended on Merseyside, with only frustration to take from a brief fightback.

For Ghana, though, there was a different kind of headline. Kudus’ reappearance from the start is a clear boost ahead of international duty. As reported by MyJoyOnline, he is expected to be named by Carlos Queiroz in the Black Stars squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and Gambia.

Tottenham’s Cup journey is over. Kudus’ battle now shifts to something bigger: reclaiming his rhythm in London and carrying it onto the continental stage for Ghana.