Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski is back in first-team training and could be named in a matchday squad once the international break ends, bringing an end to a grueling 500 days out injured.
The Sweden international hasn’t played for Spurs since May 2025, when he suffered a freak injury in the 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace. Ange Postecoglou, then in charge, initially believed it was a minor issue before the true extent became clear.
Kulusevski had surgery on his patella that May, with hopes he’d be fit again by the end of the year. But the problem turned out to be more complex than expected, and he needed a second operation in March this year to fix lingering issues. The setback was especially cruel for the 26-year-old, who had been hoping to feature for Sweden at the World Cup after being a key figure at Spurs before getting hurt.
According to The Sun, it now looks a matter of time before he returns to a matchday squad, with the Manchester United fixture the first realistic chance. The report says the player hopes to be involved after the international break, and there is finally light at the end of the tunnel.
It’s a major lift for Roberto De Zerbi, who has already said Kulusevski’s comeback will feel like a new signing, though he knows he must be patient with the forward. Back in August, De Zerbi said Kulusevski deserves this moment after suffering so much for someone of his age, adding that he was speaking about the person, not just the player.
Kulusevski first returned to training on August 31, but he had a minor reaction to the heavier workload and had to sit out for a spell.
