Ghana block Mohammed Kudus from playing for West Ham against Brighton before Africa Cup of Nations
Ghana have turned down a request from West Ham to allow Mohammed Kudus to play against Brighton.
Kudus has received an international call-up from his country to play in the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks-off on January 13.
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West Ham's first game of 2024 comes at home against Brighton on Tuesday night, five days after their 2-0 win against Arsenal.
Premier League clubs are obliged to release their players for African Nations Cup duty on January 1.
The Hammers wanted special dispensation for Kudus to report late after their game was moved to January 2.
However, Ghana boss Chris Hughton is keen for all his players to report as scheduled.
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West Ham's Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd is also expected to be unavailable, but Brighton could reapply for permission for both to feature.
Kudus' absence could prove to be a big blow for West Ham given how well he has performed in his debut season at the club.
The attacking midfielder has scored nine goals in 24 appearances across all competitions since signing from Ajax in the summer.
Only Jarrod Bowen has netted more than him this season, with the duo both key to their success so far.
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Kudus has made 26 international appearances for Ghana and played for them at the World Cup in Qatar.
He missed out on the previous Africa Cup of Nations in 2022 due to a rib fracture but looks set to represent them this time round.
Should Ghana go all the way in the tournament, Kudus will miss West Ham's clashes against Manchester United and Arsenal.
And, for now, the 23-year-old looks set to be absent for the visit of Brighton too, with both sides gunning for a top seven finish this season.
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