At a glance:
- Kulusevski left out of Sweden squad
- Potter opens up on difficult decision
- Midfielder tipped to be fit for 2026-27 season
Dejan Kulusevski’s nightmarish spell with injuries has kept him out of action for Tottenham for well over a year now.
The Swedish international picked up an injury during the back end of last season and missed the UEFA Europa League final.
However, over the course of the current campaign, he has had his ups and downs, with a clear return date still unclear.
And now, Graham Potter has provided an update on his situation after dropping him from the Sweden squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kulusevski to be fit for next season with Tottenham
After Sweden secured their place in the World Cup, Kulusevski signaled his desire to be fit for the tournament.
However, that won’t be the case as Potter announced his squad yesterday, with the Tottenham player missing out.
The former Chelsea manager, however, believes his decision to leave out Kulusevski was done keeping in mind his long-term health.
“With Dejan, again just a very, very difficult decision,” Potter told a press conference.
“I think we have to think about what is right for the team, that’s important but also Dejan is in a place where he has had a long fight and he is making progress.
“I think it’s important now that this time he can really focus on getting himself ready for the start of the season.
“Dejan is at a stage where his rehab is so important and he has made some progress.
“I think the aim for him would be to start the next season with Tottenham, hit the ground running and to get back on the pitch and do the thing he loves.
“I think we have to be careful about that and ultimately that is the priority for him.”
Kulusevski could be De Zerbi’s x-factor
Before the game against Leeds United, De Zerbi revealed he had a private conversation with Kulusevski, adding that his injury return date has still not been determined.
The Italian doesn’t have a player like him in the squad, so the plan will be for him to rehabilitate at his own pace to be fit and firing for the 2026-27 season.
Kulusevki would like to stay at Tottenham even if they get relegated, which is a clear sign that he loves the club.
And with just two games left to go, the North London outfit will hope that isn’t the case as they are now in a good position to avoid the drop.
Get well soon, Deki!
