The 26yo has not played for Tottenham since May 2025.
Dejan Kulusevski only just started training fully with his Tottenham Hotspur teammates a month ago, but his road to recovery has been a long time in the making.
The Sweden star has not played a competitive game since May 11 2025, after suffering what then Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou described as “just a knock”, 19 minutes into a 2-0 home loss to Crystal Palace. It turned out that he had suffered a serious injury to his right patella and required surgery.
Two surgeries on, Dejan Kulusevski has been back in full training with his teammates for around a month, aside from a small setback claimed by head coach Roberto De Zerbi. The midfielder has been spotted on club video footage back running and involved in training, leading to growing optimism that a return to action was edging ever closer.
Dejan Kulusevski could return for Tottenham after international break
Although there was speculation that his first minutes could be with the Swedish national team at the upcoming international break in the coming weeks, it will not be the case after Graham Potter hasn’t included Kulusevski in his squad for the UEFA Nations League games. A return timeline for the 26-year-old has finally been revealed, with an end to his 500‑day absence now drawing closer.
According to a report from The Sun, Kulusevski is close to a return and could be included in a Premier League matchday squad after the international break. The clash against Manchester United on October 10 is now being tipped as a possible first involvement for the playmaker. If that comes too soon, his return is expected within the next three or four games, barring any setbacks.
This is massive news for Spurs. The return of the Swedish playmaker will be a massive boost for Roberto De Zerbi, who has had a torrid start to the new season despite a spending spree in the summer to reshape the squad. De Zerbi recently hailed the player’s return as being “like a new signing” for the club.
Having Kulusevski back in the mix would certainly be a massive help, given his ability to operate either on the right flank, central midfield or in the No.10 position. The Scandinavian ace has 55 goal involvements in 146 games in all competitions for Tottenham since arriving from Juventus back in 2023.
The Lilywhites’ lack of creativity so far this season has been well-documented and stretches back to the end of last term. And the return of the 26-year-old creative midfielder will help Spurs become a better side and start climbing the table.
