Kulusevski Back in Tottenham Training but Villa Clash Comes Too Soon
Dejan Kulusevski has returned to Tottenham first-team training after a 19-month absence with a serious right patella injury, but Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Aston Villa will arrive too early for his competitive return.
The 26-year-old Sweden international has not played since the end of the 2024/25 campaign and also missed the summer World Cup during his recovery. An attempted comeback in August brought a minor setback, extending his wait, but he has now completed the latest stage of rehabilitation with the senior squad.
Tottenham are targeting October or November for Kulusevski’s first match involvement. Roberto De Zerbi said the club will take a controlled approach alongside the medical and physical departments, while praising the forward’s qualities and resilience through a long spell out.
Who is affected
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Dejan Kulusevski: Back in full training, though unavailable against Aston Villa. Spurs hope to reintroduce him in October or November.
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James Maddison: In contention for Villa after training with the group for roughly the last 10 to 15 days. The 29-year-old has faced further shoulder trouble this season after recovering from an ACL rupture suffered last August.
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Pedro Porro: Could return to the squad after missing the midweek cup loss to Liverpool.
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Sandro Tonali: Also in the frame for Saturday following his absence against Liverpool.
Kulusevski was regarded as Tottenham’s leading performer during a difficult 2024/25 season before the knee problem ruled him out for the entire following year. His return is a significant boost for a side seeking its first league win and first league goal after four matches.
Maddison’s availability would offer De Zerbi another creative option. The manager stressed that, despite his technical ability, Maddison needs time to regain full match condition after his latest injury issues.
What happens next
Tottenham face Aston Villa on Saturday, with Porro, Tonali and Maddison all potentially available. Kulusevski will continue training and medical monitoring, with the club planning his return to competition later in the autumn.
De Zerbi remains confident results will improve if his players stay composed, despite mounting pressure after the club’s scoreless four-game league start and the cup defeat to Liverpool.
