Mohammed Kudus has declared himself fully fit to compete for a spot in the Ajax first team after scoring a hat-trick for Jong Ajax in a 6-3 win over ADO Den Haag on Monday.
The Ghanaian midfielder played 90 minutes for the first time since suffering a rib injury in a World Cup qualifier against South Africa in November 2021.
As a result of the injury, the former Nordsjaelland player missed the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations which Ghana failed to qualify out of the group.
Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag declared Kudus as match fit early February. However, the 21-year-old has only made four substitute appearances since then, amassing just 37 minutes of football.
Speaking to Voetbalzone after his hat-trick on Monday, Kudus stated that he is ready to play consistently again.
“It’s an injury for which there is no treatment. I just had to wait patiently for me to recover. It’s how you react to that setback. I’m fully fit now and I’m back. I love to play. It’s a pleasure to be back on the pitch.”
Kudus then acknowledged that his involvement with the first team solely relies on ten Hag.
“He decides, but I can make sure I’m ready for my chance. I work hard and do what I do best.”
