Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus endured an anxious afternoon after being forced off injured during Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland.
The 25-year-old signalled for treatment shortly after the quarter-hour mark, clutching the upper part of his left leg before being withdrawn and replaced by Randal Kolo Muani.
While Kudus was able to walk off the pitch unassisted, the early indications point to a muscular issue, with concerns centred on a possible adductor problem. Further medical checks are expected to clarify the severity of the injury.
Kudus’ withdrawal compounded selection headaches for Spurs, who were already short of natural options on the right flank following Brennan Johnson’s move to Crystal Palace earlier in the week, forcing Paris Saint-Germain loanee Kolo Muani to fill in out of position.
Despite the setback, Tottenham took the lead in the 30th minute through Ben Davies. However, Sunderland rallied after the break and eventually drew level in the 80th minute, with Brian Brobbey finding the equaliser for the visitors.
The former Ajax attacker has been a mainstay for Spurs this season, starting all but one Premier League fixture. He has contributed two goals and six assists in the league, figures that underline his importance to Thomas Frank’s system beyond his output in front of goal.
Tottenham will be hoping the injury does not result in a lengthy absence for Kudus. The Ghana international joined the club from West Ham United in the summer in a £55 million deal, signing a six-year contract, and has registered seven goal contributions in 18 league appearances so far.