Kulusevski Returns to Tottenham Training After 16-Month Knee Injury Layoff
Dejan Kulusevski has resumed first-team training at Tottenham, putting Sweden on alert for a possible international return after a 16-month absence caused by a serious right knee injury.
Sweden seek Tottenham agreement
The 26-year-old has not appeared competitively since May 2025 and is still not being considered for Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham matchday selections. But Sweden manager Graham Potter is pushing to have the forward involved during the next international window, subject to talks with the player and Spurs’ medical staff.
Potter said Kulusevski was “very close” to returning and praised the way he had dealt with a difficult rehabilitation. The Sweden boss stressed that caution remains necessary, but hopes the attacker can join the squad.
Kulusevski missed all of Tottenham’s previous campaign and was unavailable for the summer World Cup after repeated complications in his recovery.
How the long lay-off unfolded
- Kulusevski suffered a right patella problem and underwent surgery at the end of the 2024-25 season.
- The initial expectation was for a relatively short absence of several months.
- His recovery did not progress as planned, leading to a second operation in March.
- The Sweden international returned to Spurs’ senior training group at the start of September.
- Sweden now want medical clearance for him to feature during their September 21 to October 6 Nations League schedule.
Four-match window offers route back
Sweden face an extended run of four Nations League fixtures, starting at home to Romania before Poland visit three days later. Away matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania complete the programme.
Potter wants Kulusevski available for at least part of that spell, describing him as central to Sweden’s plans. He highlighted both the winger’s ability and his influence within the group, calling him a world-class player whose presence would significantly help the national side.
Spurs will control domestic return
Tottenham are expected to manage Kulusevski’s reintegration carefully after such a lengthy spell out. De Zerbi will monitor any international involvement closely before the forward is reintroduced to domestic action.
- Kulusevski has been out since May 2025 with a severe knee issue.
- Two operations, including a second procedure in March, extended his absence.
- He is training again but has not yet reached Tottenham’s matchday squad stage.
- Sweden hope he can contribute during four Nations League games between September 21 and October 6.
