Dejan Kulusevski
TOT
CM (RW)
Creative Playmaker
Apr 25, 2000 (26)
Left
6'1"
176 lb
SpursRemains sidelined
Kulusevski (knee) remains sidelined for Saturday's clash against Nottingham Forest, according to the club.
Analysis: Kulusevski had recently announced his return to team training after a lengthy absence, having not played a competitive match since May 2025, and coach Roberto De Zerbi had recently praised him as a standout talent who could be nearing a return. This continued absence suggests his path back to the squad is still not quite complete, and further updates on his timeline should emerge as Tottenham continues assessing him.
Back in full training
Kulusevski (knee) announced that he's back in team training Monday, according to Jack Pitt-Brooke of The Athletic.
Analysis: Kulusevski has been progressing steadily in recent weeks, and the next goal is to be available for selection as he hasn't played a competitive match since May 2025. The Swedish winger was praised by manager Roberto De Zerbi, who labelled him a "special player," and he could be on the verge of finally returning to the squad after his lengthy absence.
Returns to group training
Kulusevski (knee) was back in team training Friday, according to manager Roberto De Zerbi. "[Kulu] is great news, first of all, for the human aspect, because he suffered too much. Then, because he's a different player, a special player. Now, we have to see the last days, but he's improving, it's amazing."
Analysis: Kuluzevski made a huge return to group training Friday to the enjoyment of many Spurs fans, returning to the group for the first time in over a year following a knee injury. The club's manager only had high praise for the attacker as he returned, looking to be set for action immediately once he is deemed fit enough to play. That said, it appears his return could come very soon, a very encouraging sign for a side that struggled heavily last campaign.
Working individually, no firm timeline
Kulusevski (knee) continues to train separately from the group under an individual coach as he works toward a return, according to coach Roberto De Zerbi. "He's working, he's working not with the group, but with the individual coach. I'm observing him a lot, because first of all, he suffers too much, and as a human situation, it's been tough for him, and every one of us we are close with him for this period. Then he's a different player, he's a special player, if he's fit and he's available, he's a different player like Xavi Simons."
Analysis: Kulusevski's recovery continues to be prioritized over speed, with manager Roberto De Zerbi's comments making clear the club is not rushing him back and describing the process as genuinely difficult for the player on a personal level. The comparison to Xavi Simons underscores just how important De Zerbi views him once fit, following a layoff of over a year with a complicated patella injury that also cost him a place at the World Cup. Kulusevski is expected to continue his individual rehab work with no firm timeline yet given for his return.
No return timeline yet
Kulusevski remains without a firm timeline for his return, though coach Roberto De Zerbi is hopeful he can be available as early as possible, according to Football London. "Kulusevski fit and right, he's one of the best players we have in the squad. I wouldn't like to put too much pressure on him to accelerate the process of rehab but I hope he can be available as early as possible"
Analysis: Kulusevski has been out of action for over a year with a complicated patella injury, a setback that also cost him a place at the 2026 World Cup, and manager Roberto De Zerbi's guarded tone points to the club prioritizing a fully sound return over accelerating things. He stayed behind at Hotspur Way rather than joining the preseason tour, and Kulusevski is expected to continue his rehab work while more clarity on his timeline develops over the coming weeks.
Timeline still being assessed
Kulusevski's timeline for a return from his long term knee injury will become clearer over the next couple of weeks, according to coach Roberto De Zerbi. "Kulusevski, we have to see in the next couple of weeks. He's another important player. After one season, one complete season, without a game, we have to analyse better and better, don't take risks, first of all for him and then for us."
Analysis: Kulusevski has been sidelined for more than a year with a knee injury that also cost him a spot at the 2026 World Cup, and manager De Zerbi's cautious framing suggests the club is prioritizing a fully safe return over any rushed timeline. He remained at Hotspur Way rather than traveling for the preseason tour, and further clarity on when he might rejoin full training should emerge as the coming weeks progress.
Not travelling for preseason tour
Kulusevski (knee) will remain at Hotspur Way to continue his rehabilitation rather than travel with Tottenham's squad for the preseason tour of New Zealand and Australia, according to the club.
Analysis: Kulusevski has been sidelined for more than 13 months with a knee injury that also cost him the World Cup, with the cartilage issue previously described as slow to heal given the stress placed on it. He has stepped up his rehab recently and was among the first group of players to report for preseason training, sharing positive updates throughout the summer while working back home in Sweden, and his continued progress will be tracked as he builds toward full training.
Steps up rehab work
Kulusevski (knee) has stepped up his rehabilitation and was among the first group of players to report for preseason training, the club posted.
Analysis: Kulusevski has been sidelined for more than 13 months with a knee injury that also ruled him out of the World Cup, with his cartilage issue previously described as slow to heal due to the stress placed on it. His presence in the gym at the club's training complex during the early days of preseason points to encouraging progress in his recovery. The midfielder has been sharing positive updates on his rehabilitation throughout the summer while working back home in Sweden. Kulusevski is expected to continue building toward full training as his recovery progresses.
Extended absence further explained
Kulusevski has had his absence further explained after a season on the sidelines and missing the Swedish World Cup roster, according to Swedish team doctor Jonas Werner, per Alasdair Gold of Football.London. "It's been a long story with Dejan. He's done everything he can to get ready, but when it came to deciding [if he would make the squad], he wasn't. The reason is that he hasn't played football in a year, but even the medical assessments made this spring have pointed in the direction that he wouldn't be ready. Cartilage injuries, like in Dejan's case, are troublesome. They are difficult to treat. Plus, he has it in a place that gets a lot of stress. The injury simply hasn't healed enough to handle that stress. I have high hopes that [he can play football again]."
Analysis: Kulusevski has been out all year and missed the entire club season, leading to his absence from the World Cup as well. However, his reasoning has been further explained, as no one expected him to be out this long, with cartilage damage the main reason for his prolonged sidelining. He is still eyeing a return for the start of the next season after Tottenham avoided relegation, although this is not confirmed yet as he continues to work on recovery. The main goal for the technical winger moving forward will be to get back on the field, last playing May 11, 2025.
Misses World Cup squad
Kulusevski (knee) has been left off the Sweden squad list for the 2026 World Cup.
Analysis: Kulusevski's season, which has already been a disaster, has now gotten worse, as he will not compete at the 2026 World Cup. This comes as he attempts to recover from a long-standing knee injury, last seeing the field over a year ago at this point. The only good news coming from this is that he will now have all summer to focus on a return to full fitness instead of risking his health and potentially the rest of his career at the World Cup.
Receives knee clean up
Kulusevski (knee) received a minor surgical intervention to clean up his knee two weeks ago, the player posted to his Instagram.
Analysis: Kulusevski is still working his way back from the long-standing knee injury and has done more work on his recovery, as the attacker underwent a minor operation to remove some pain and clean up his knee around two weeks ago. This is nothing that should set him back, but only further his progress in a return, still working to make the end of the season and the Sweden World Cup squad. The hope still is that the attacker can play again in May, although that will depend on his recovery and feeling.
Rehabbing in Spain
Kulusevski (knee) is continuing his rehab in Spain and will join the Sweden squad during the international break to support his teammates, according to coach Graham Potter, per Nyheter 24. "Dejan is in Spain, I think. So he will probably come by. It will be great to meet him. Where he is in his rehab, everything is working well."
Analysis: Kulusevski hit a setback in his recovery from the long-term knee injury that has kept him out for nearly a year, though he's still making solid progress and is reportedly continuing his rehab in Spain. The Swede will join the national team during the break to support his teammates and despite not being fit to play. The attacking midfielder is still targeting a return before the end of the season as Tottenham looks for a lift in the final stretch while trying to avoid relegation to the Championship. Until he's back up to full speed, Conor Gallagher and Richarlison are in line for more minutes for Tottenham.
Hopeful to return this season
Kulusevski (knee) remains sidelined but may have a chance to play in the final stages of the 2025/26 campaign, with coach Igor Tudor mentioning him in late February "He's had really big problems as you know, but he's positive and also the doctors are positive, so we'll see next week how he's going. We hope [he can play this season]. In this moment, we don't know.", Kieran Horn of Football London reports.
Analysis: Kulusevski has yet to make an appearance since suffering a severe knee issue in May 2025, so he might not find a big role even if he's back for the final weeks. Still, the midfielder has made progress in his recovery, and his eventual inclusion would give the team some playmaking power. Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher and Richarlison might be set to see extended outings.
Set for another appointment
Kulusevski (knee) is set for another appointment but appears to be nowhere near the squad, according to Thomas Frank. "Deki's got another appointment at the end of the week, where we will know more, but of course, being out of the Champions League squad is a sign it is not tomorrow. I don't know [if he will return before the end of the season].
Analysis: Kulusevski is still injured and appears to have no hope of a return soon, with the attacker recently not added to the UCL list. He will now meet for another appointment to get another opinion on his injury, hoping to gain a bit more knowledge on his situation. However, a return is still up in the air, potentially not an option at all this campaign.
Left off UCL squad
Kulusevski (knee) has been left off the squad list for UCL play moving forward, according to his club.
Analysis: Kulusevski is still yet to play this season after a knee injury to begin the campaign halted his season, appearing to be set to miss further time after left off the UCL list This comes despite around a month ago the club claiming he could be an option in a month, appearing to be no closer since the last update. The attackers return is still in limbo, with an even bigger question what spot he will hold once fit.
Gets injection, out another month
Kulusevski (knee) has received another injection and is set to miss at least another month of action, according to manager Thomas Frank. "The latest on Dejan. We know it is a complicated injury. If there is one person who can accelerate that (recovery) it is Dejan, who is a top pro and has a top mentality. The most important thing is to remove the pain in the knee. He had an injection to help that 10 days ago. We will know in 3-4 weeks if that has settled. And when it has settled, hopefully, he will be on the grass and from there, we will see what is happening."
Analysis: Kulusevski is still working on his return to play from knee injury and is taking another hit to timeline, as the attacker had to receive another injection and will miss at least three to four more weeks before he trains on grass. This continues his absence this season, having yet to make an appearance after an injury to his knee just ahead of the season. He will likely be set for a return near mid-February to the start of March, although they will be cautious with his return after the long time out, starting in 27 of his 32 appearances last campaign while recording seven goals and four assists.
Continues recovery
Kulusevski (knee) is continuing his recovery from a tricky injury, coach Thomas Frank said in a press conference, according to The Standard. "I would love to have him back soon. Unfortunately, it was a tricky injury he got so it just takes time. He is a key player and has been such a key player for us. They are working very hard and he is working very hard to come back on the pitch."
Analysis: Kulusevski is still working on his comeback from a tricky knee injury that requires time and is unlikely to allow him to return in the coming weeks. The Swedish forward was a regular starter prior to his injury and will likely remain a key player for the Spurs once he returns to full fitness.
Remains away from play
Kulusevski (knee) is still not an option for the team, according to manager Thomas Frank. "No. When they are ready to be close to joining the squad, then I will provide an update."
Analysis: Kulusevski is still battling his fitness and is not an option moving forward for the squad, likely a few weeks from joining the team. This will put the attacker in a pinch to be fit for the new year, possibly not making it back until January. However, that will be up to his recovery, with the attacker's return date unknown.
No timeframe on return
Kulusevski (knee) is still working on a return but has no timeframe for a return, according to manager Thomas Frank. "I'd love to have them ready to play for us, but they're unavailable, other players need to step up. It's much easier to say they're in, when available, rather than put a timeframe on it."
Analysis: Kulusevski hasn't trained on grass yet and continues to remain behind the curve, with the attacker still out with no timeframe to make his way back. He will likely eye the field again by the end of December or the start of the new year, a rough spell for the Swedish attacker. He still has yet to debut due to the injuries, hoping to start playing again sooner rather than later.
Hasn't trained on grass
Kulusevski (knee) is not back on grass yet, according to manager Thomas Frank.
Analysis: Kulusevski still has yet to see the field this season after a knee injury he carried through the summer left him with a long absence to begin this campaign. That said, the attacker seems to still be far from his return, as he is yet to even train on grass, at least keeping him out until after the international break. He started in 27 of his 32 appearances last season while bagging seven goals and four assists, so they will hope he is fit moving into December.
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