Dejan Kulusevski is set to return to Tottenham Hotspur’s matchday squad for the first time in more than 17 months, as the club prepares to face Coventry City. The Swedish midfielder has been sidelined since early 2023 due to a patella injury that required two surgical procedures, including a second operation in March.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed Kulusevski’s inclusion on the bench ahead of the game, describing it as “great news.” Speaking about the player’s long absence, De Zerbi emphasized the personal challenges Kulusevski endured during his recovery. “We had a meeting with the medical staff. They gave the OK, and it’s great news,” he said. “He suffered a lot and his reaction was great. I’m not just speaking about football; he’s a special player, but this goes beyond that.”

Kulusevski’s prolonged absence meant he missed the entire 2022-23 season and was unable to participate in the FIFA World Cup held last year. The manager expressed his pleasure in informing Kulusevski that he would be part of the squad for the Coventry match, highlighting the player’s positive response.

Meanwhile, Richarlison remains unavailable for selection after being excluded from Tottenham’s 25-man Premier League squad. The Brazil forward recently posted a cryptic message on Instagram containing the words “you are right,” alongside a story in which former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson criticized De Zerbi’s handling of the player’s situation. When questioned about Richarlison’s status, De Zerbi declined to comment on the matter, directing inquiries to the club’s chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange instead. “It’s not my problem anymore,” the manager stated.

Tottenham’s upcoming fixture against Coventry marks a significant moment in Kulusevski’s rehabilitation, offering him an opportunity to return to competitive football after a challenging period on the sidelines.