'I'm concerned about Mohammed Kudus despite what Roberto De Zerbi has said about Tottenham star'
Mohammed Kudus' lack of action during pre-season is a huge issue for Tottenham.
That is the view of John Wenham, who was speaking after he missed the 1-1 pre-season draw with Sydney FC.
The Ghanaian star has been missing since January, with a quadriceps problem suffered in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland.
Tottenham News has previously analysed what the Lilywhites are missing out on with the forward's absence.
His hopes of a comeback were derailed in April after a setback ruled him out for the rest of the campaign, and he did not get the chance to work with Roberto De Zerbi.
The Italian boss will be hoping to get him back as soon as possible, ideally for the opening day against Brentford.
Why Mohammed Kudus' pre-season absence is an issue for Tottenham
Wenham believes that the man who notched three goals and six assists in 26 matches in his debut season with the club should have featured by now.
The Lilywhite Rose owner believes that he will be like a new signing for De Zerbi but is worried by the absence.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “Kudus was our best player last season until he was injured in January and was a massive loss for us when he had that setback in April.
“De Zerbi came in, said what a big player he was going to be for him and in our fight against relegation last season and then he was injured almost immediately after he took the job, which was a huge blow for us because he is one of our better players.
“Having him back would be like a new signing but I'm concerned that he's not available to contribute on this pre-season tour and has been left behind to work on his rehabilitation.
“We will need him to play and we will need him to contribute this season because he's our best right winger by a long, long way.
“Fingers crossed he can come back soon because that's a massive asset for us, he will flourish under De Zerbi as we've seen how well he had Kaoru Mitoma playing for Brighton under his management style and I can see Kudus being the same, being a real danger for opposition and a massive asset for Tottenham.
“If we have James Maddison and some of these players that have been missing for so long, if we can get Xavi Simons back and Dejan Kulusevski, we really can push to be in the top four next season.”
What has De Zerbi said about Kudus' return at Tottenham?
De Zerbi has already revealed that Kudus will be back in training once his side return to London.
Speaking on the pre-season tour, he said: "Mohammed Kudus is very close (to returning).
"When we get back to London, he will be able to start working with us."
Spurs face Getafe on 8 August at Hotspur Way, and that could be a potential return for Kudus, easing the concerns that Wenham and the rest of the fanbase have.
He may still have some time on the sidelines, as the Lilywhites could have to take time with his recovery, so that he does not re-injure himself.