Dejan Kulusevski is set to return to Tottenham Hotspur’s match-day squad for the first time in 526 days, marking a significant moment after a prolonged recovery from a severe knee injury sustained in May 2025. The Swedish winger, who last featured competitively in a Premier League match on May 11, 2025, has undergone an extensive rehabilitation process following a right patella injury that required surgery and multiple setbacks.
Kulusevski’s absence has coincided with a period of substantial change at Tottenham. Since his injury, the club has seen three managerial changes, with Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor, and Roberto De Zerbi taking charge—none of whom have managed the Swedish forward. Additionally, Tottenham has signed 20 players over the last three transfer windows, at a reported cost of £530 million, but none have fully filled the creative gap left on the right wing by Kulusevski’s absence.
Prior to his injury, Kulusevski was a key contributor for Spurs, registering 33 goals and assists across 84 league appearances. In the first half of the 2024-25 season, he led the Premier League in chance creation. Tottenham’s current struggle for goals under De Zerbi underscores the significance of his return, with the manager confirming that the 26-year-old will be included on the bench for Tottenham’s home fixture against Coventry City.
Despite the optimism, Kulusevski faces considerable challenges in regaining full fitness. Medical experts highlight the risks of recurrent injuries such as hamstring, quadriceps, and calf strains following long periods of inactivity and surgery, along with potential bone stress issues if the return is too abrupt. Rehabilitation has involved a cautious, phased approach to rebuild strength and reduce the risk of setbacks, with Kulusevski engaging in extended training sessions with the squad and participating in internal matches during international breaks.
His road to recovery has been marked by multiple procedures, including an arthroscopy in March 2026 aimed at addressing persistent knee problems. The winger also missed Sweden’s World Cup squad due to concerns over his capacity for sustained running and full training. Tottenham has been careful to manage expectations, given the “zig-zagging” nature of his rehabilitation and changes within the club’s medical staff.
Kulusevski’s return is not only a physical milestone but also a testament to his resilience. His wife, Eldina, publicly lauded his perseverance, bravery, and passion during his recovery. Manager De Zerbi described his inclusion in the squad as one of the season’s most positive developments, reflecting the emotional and sporting importance of the moment for the player and the club.
Known for his pace, agility, and creativity, Kulusevski’s style relies heavily on stamina and muscular control, which will be crucial as he works to re-establish himself in the Premier League. His return offers hope that Tottenham may regain a dynamic presence on their right flank, one that has been missing in recent campaigns. As the club prepares for their fixture against Coventry City, Kulusevski’s comeback embodies both a personal and collective opportunity for renewal.