Dejan Kulusevski is approaching a return to first-team action for Tottenham Hotspur after spending 500 days sidelined due to a serious knee injury sustained in May 2025. The Swedish playmaker was injured early in a Premier League match against Crystal Palace, suffering damage to his kneecap during a challenge with defender Marc Guehi. Initially described by then-manager Ange Postecoglou as “just a knock,” the injury ultimately required surgery and a prolonged rehabilitation period.
Kulusevski underwent patella surgery shortly after the injury and was initially expected to return by the end of 2025. However, complications necessitated a second operation in March to address ongoing issues, delaying his comeback further. The lengthy recovery meant he missed the 2026 World Cup, despite his hopes and personal faith sustaining him through the ordeal.
On August 31, Kulusevski resumed full-time training, marking a key milestone in his return. Nevertheless, the physical demands of team sessions led to a temporary step back to individual work, with Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi describing the setback as minor. This interruption, however, ruled Kulusevski out of Sweden’s international squad for recent fixtures.
Following the current international break, Kulusevski is expected to be reintroduced into Spurs’ matchday squads, possibly as soon as the October 10 league game at Old Trafford, a venue where he previously produced one of his standout performances for the club. If not then, his return is likely to come within the next few matches, barring further complications.
De Zerbi has praised the 26-year-old’s dedication and resilience during his extensive recovery, highlighting Kulusevski’s commitment to both physical and mental self-improvement. The player has reportedly utilized meditation and personal development reading materials to aid his rehabilitation process. The manager described Kulusevski as a “new signing” who could provide a significant boost to Spurs following the team’s challenging start to the season.
While aware of the need to manage Kulusevski’s reintegration carefully to avoid setbacks, De Zerbi expressed optimism about the player’s progress and singled him out as a positive influence both on and off the pitch. Reflecting on his own experiences with injuries, Postecoglou had previously noted the difficulty of recovery, a sentiment that Kulusevski has endured firsthand.
After more than a year and a half away from competitive football, Kulusevski appears on the cusp of a long-awaited return, offering Tottenham a vital playmaker’s presence for the remainder of the season.