Tottenham Hotspur fans have received a huge update on Dejan Kulusevski's injury situation, with Sweden head coach Graham Potter revealing that the attacking midfielder is nearing his long-awaited return.
Kulusevski recently resumed full first-team training with Spurs after spending 477 days on the sidelines because of a complicated knee injury. The 26-year-old has not played competitively since Tottenham’s defeat against Crystal Palace on May 11, 2025.
He underwent surgery later that month and subsequently missed the entirety of the 2025/26 campaign, including Tottenham’s Europa League final victory over Manchester United and Sweden’s World Cup campaign in North America this summer.
Kulusevski has made significant progress over the summer and returned to training under Roberto De Zerbi, who praised the Swedish international's mental strength. Kulu has been included in Tottenham’s 25-man Premier League squad, which saw Richarlison omitted; the inclusion signals the club’s expectation is that he will be available this season.
However, a minor issue briefly interrupted his rehabilitation last week. De Zerbi confirmed that a “small problem” had prevented Kulusevski from completing several training sessions, although the Tottenham head coach stressed that his overall recovery remained on course.
Potter has now delivered an encouraging update, telling Swedish media that Kulusevski is “very close actually.”
The Sweden manager has been hugely impressed by how Kulusevski has handled such a challenging period and remains hopeful the Spurs attacker could be involved during the forthcoming international window.
However, Potter acknowledged that Sweden must first speak with Kulusevski and Tottenham before deciding. After such a lengthy absence, Spurs are understandably taking a cautious approach and will likely not allow the player to play internationally before full assessment is made.
Tottenham Hotspur have introduced a more cautious injury-prevention strategy following a major summer review of the club’s medical and performance operation.
This was in effect at the weekend: Sávio and Destiny Udogie were both withdrawn after around an hour against Nottingham Forest on the medical team's advice, as Spurs manage their workloads.
Dan Lewindon, the Club's new Performance Director, headed the review. Kulusevski is part of several long-term injuries the club has been dealing with, and it’s unlikely any risk or pressure will be placed on the attacking midfielder.
Sweden begin their Nations League schedule against Romania on September 25 before hosting Poland three days later. They then travel to face Bosnia and Herzegovina on October 2 and Romania on October 5.
Although no definitive comeback date has been announced, the player himself announced his return to first-team training, and now Potter’s comments suggest Kulusevski has entered the final stage of his recovery, which is all exciting news for a player that Tottenham have missed.
