Dejan Kulusevski
TOT
Attacking Midfielder
Shadow Striker
Apr 25, 2000 (26)
Left
6'1"
176 lb
Logs three minutes off bench
Kulusevski (knee) logged three minutes off the bench in Monday's 3-1 win over Coventry City.
Analysis: Kulusevski made his first appearance for the Spurs in over 500 days and looked lively, but there wasn't much he could've done in a limited cameo. The winger should continue to see minutes off the bench as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks, but he won't carry much fantasy appeal as long as he continues to have a minimal role off the bench.
Set for bench role against Coventry
Kulusevski (knee) will be available off the bench for Monday's Premier League clash against Coventry after receiving medical clearance, according to coach Roberto De Zerbi. "Kulusevski will be on the bench. The medical staff said okay. It is one of the best bits of news after Everton (win) last season."
Analysis: Kulusevski is finally set to return to competitive action after spending more than 500 days sidelined with a complicated right patellar injury. The attacking midfielder has recently resumed full team training and participated in an 11-a-side practice match, allowing him to receive clearance from the medical staff. His inclusion on the bench against Coventry represents a major milestone in his recovery, although his minutes will likely be carefully managed following such an extended absence. Kulusevski could gradually work his way back into Tottenham's attacking rotation over the coming weeks.
Continues training amid recovery
Kulusevski (knee) was spotted participating in team training Tuesday morning as Tottenham's medical staff continues to assess his recovery on a week-to-week basis, according to Gary Ward of RoundTable.
Analysis: Kulusevski continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery from a complicated right patellar injury that has kept him sidelined for more than 500 days. The attacking midfielder recently resumed full team training and participated in an 11-a-side training match, although he has yet to receive clearance to return to competitive action. Coach Roberto De Zerbi previously emphasized that the medical staff would evaluate his condition on a weekly basis rather than establish a firm return date. Tuesday's training participation represents another positive step, but Kulusevski remains without a confirmed timetable for his first appearance since the injury.
Traveling for support, still sidelined
Kulusevski (knee) will travel with Tottenham for Saturday's Premier League clash against Manchester United, although his availability for the matchday squad remains uncertain, according to coach Roberto De Zerbi, per Football London. "He is working well. Tomorrow he comes with us for support. He is working very well and I think he is an example for everyone. Forget the player but the example of how he reacted to the injury, the character he showed this time was an example and reference to everyone. I don't know, it's not just my responsibility, we are working together with the medical staff. They are working very well with him, they have done special work. We have to analyse week by week."
Analysis: Kulusevski continues his recovery from the complicated right patellar injury that has kept him sidelined for more than 500 days. The attacking midfielder recently resumed full team training and participated in an 11-a-side training match, but his presence on the trip to Manchester United will be purely supportive rather than a sign of an imminent competitive return. De Zerbi praised his attitude throughout rehabilitation but emphasized that his progress will continue to be assessed on a week-by-week basis. Kulusevski therefore remains without a confirmed return date despite his encouraging progress.
Fully involved in team training
Kulusevski (knee) was spotted fully participating in team training Friday as he continues working toward a return to competitive action, the club posted.
Analysis: Kulusevski has taken another encouraging step in his recovery from a complicated right patellar injury that has kept him sidelined for more than 500 days. The attacking midfielder recently participated in an 11-a-side training match during the international break, and his full involvement in Friday's session suggests he is getting closer to match fitness. However, given the length of his absence, Tottenham are likely to take a cautious approach with his return, potentially easing him back into action off the bench before he challenges for a starting role under Roberto De Zerbi.
Features in 11-a-side training match
Kulusevski (knee) took part in an 11-a-side training match at Tottenham's training center during the international break as he continues building toward a return to competitive action, according to Sam Tabuteau of The Standard.
Analysis: Kulusevski has taken another significant step forward in his recovery after spending more than 500 days sidelined by a complicated right patellar injury, with his participation in a full-sided game suggesting he's getting closer to match fitness. The attacking midfielder has also looked sharp in recent training sessions, providing assists during smaller-sided games and featuring in a central role. If he continues progressing without setbacks, Kulusevski could return to the matchday squad in the coming fixtures, though he'll likely be eased back into action off the bench before challenging for a starting role under Roberto De Zerbi.
Impresses in full training
Kulusevski (knee) continues to train fully with Tottenham and looked sharp during this week's sessions as he works toward a return to competitive action, according to Football London.
Analysis: Kulusevski continues to make encouraging progress after more than 500 days out with a complicated right patellar injury, providing a couple of assists for Mohammed Kudus during small-sided training games. If he avoids further setbacks, the 26-year-old could return to a matchday squad later in October, initially as a bench option. Kulusevski was also used centrally during the sessions, suggesting he could eventually provide manager Roberto De Zerbi with another option in the No. 10 role rather than being limited to his previous role on the right wing.
Making strides in recovery
Kulusevski (knee) continues to make progress in training as he works toward his return to competitive action, according to teammate Lucas Bergvall, per Football London. "He's doing incredibly well in training and is making strides every day"
Analysis: Kulusevski appears to be moving closer to a long-awaited return after recently resuming full-team training following more than 500 days on the sidelines with a complicated patellar injury. He has experienced a minor issue since returning to training, but is back working with the squad and will remain at Tottenham during the international break to continue building his fitness. If he avoids further setbacks, Kulusevski could progress toward a place on the bench in the weeks following the break. Once fully available, he should add another option to Tottenham's midfield rotation alongside Mateus Fernandes, Conor Gallagher and James Maddison.
Close to return
Kulusevski (knee) is not far from a return but is managed on a day by day basis, according to coach Roberto De Zerbi. "We have to manage Deki in the best way possible with the medical staff and physical staff. We have to work day by day. When he gets back to the top, best condition, he will be like a new signing for us. Deki doesn't need my encouragement. He is strong. He has a great character."
Analysis: Kulusevski was recently spotted training without limitations for the first time since being sidelined since the start of last season, and manager De Zerbi's latest comments continue to point toward a management process that's nearing its final stages. Once fully cleared, he could provide fresh competition for Mateus Fernandes, Conor Gallagher and James Maddison in midfield.
Training fully
Kulusevski (knee) was spotted in training without limitations Thursday, Chris Cowlin of talkSPORT reports.
Analysis: Kulusevski is close to being available after struggling with a setback from the injury that sidelined him since the beginning of the 2025/26 period. The midfielder is still unlikely to see a lot of minutes on the field and should be expected to come off the bench when he returns to the match squad. If he continues to make steady progress, he'll push for increased opportunities to produce and may become an appealing source of playmaking contributions later this year, offering competition for Mateus Fernandes, Conor Gallagher and James Maddison.
Still not ready to return
Kulusevski (knee) remains out for Tuesday's Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool, according to coach Roberto De Zerbi. "Kulusevski is not available"
Analysis: Kulusevski remains short of a return after recently stepping away from team training during his recovery from a lengthy knee absence. He hasn't played a competitive match since May 2025, and manager Roberto De Zerbi previously described the interruption in his training as a normal part of returning from such a long layoff rather than a significant setback. Kulusevski will need more time before making his long-awaited return to the squad.
Not yet ready, no major concern
Kulusevski (knee) has not been working with the team in the last week, according to coach Roberto De Zerbi, per Football London. "Kulusevski is not working with us in the last week. No big problem. The normal problem when someone is out for a long time."
Analysis: Kulusevski had recently returned to team training after a lengthy absence, having not played a competitive match since May 2025, before this pause in his integration. Manager De Zerbi's comments frame it as a routine part of a long recovery rather than a genuine setback, and his path back into the squad will continue to be tracked as Tottenham progresses through the season.
Remains 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.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare