Dejan Kulusevski back in Tottenham training after long-term injury
Dejan Kulusevski is back in first-team training at Tottenham Hotspur. It has been more than a year since the Dejan Kulusevski injury forced him off against Crystal Palace in May 2025. The Sweden international has not played for Spurs since that afternoon. He underwent patella surgery that summer, then a second operation in March 2026. Now he is working with his teammates again. Tottenham believe he could be involved in a matchday squad once the international break ends.
The turnaround follows months of setbacks that tested Kulusevski’s patience. It forms part of the positive news on Kulusevski’s progress that has slowly emerged from the club in recent weeks.
De Zerbi praises Kulusevski’s character during recovery timeline
Head coach Roberto De Zerbi has spoken warmly about Kulusevski’s mentality throughout his recovery. He frames the winger’s return as a personal triumph, not just a footballing one.
“It’s great watching him during the season and also because he deserves it because he suffered too much for his career for his age, for his level of human. I’m not speaking of him as a player but as a human.”
De Zerbi’s comments appear in Football.London’s report on Kulusevski’s training return. They follow De Zerbi’s earlier update on the winger, when the Italian coach was careful not to rush things. He has stressed, again and again, that Kulusevski’s welfare comes first.
De Zerbi’s squad options expand with winger’s return to first team
Former manager Ange Postecoglou initially thought the Dejan Kulusevski injury picked up against Crystal Palace was minor. Scans later revealed its true extent. That first patella surgery followed in May 2025. A second procedure came in March 2026, stretching his recovery well beyond a year.
Kulusevski briefly returned to training on August 31. He suffered a minor reaction to the increased workload soon after. That setback delayed his reintegration further. It explains the cautious assessment of his recovery De Zerbi gave supporters over the summer.
His return gives De Zerbi a genuine attacking option. Spurs need every available body right now. The squad looked stretched during the recent defeat to Aston Villa. Kulusevski’s direct running and end product from the right would add fresh energy to the forward line.
Manchester United fixture targeted for potential matchday return
Spurs face Manchester United after the international break. According to The Sun, that fixture is Kulusevski’s first realistic chance of a matchday squad return since his injury. The club has not confirmed the report. De Zerbi is expected to make his own assessment once training resumes.
No date is set in stone for his first appearance. Tottenham will likely manage his workload with care, given how long he has been out. Even a place among the substitutes would mark a significant moment, for player and club alike.
