Dejan Kulusevski
TOT
Sweden
Left
Apr 25, 2000
25
6'1"
176 lb
CM
RW
Creative Playmaker
SpursReceives knee clean up
Kulusevski (knee) received a minor surgical intervention to clean up his knee two weeks ago, the player posted to his Instagram.
Analysis: Kulusevski is still working his way back from the long-standing knee injury and has done more work on his recovery, as the attacker underwent a minor operation to remove some pain and clean up his knee around two weeks ago. This is nothing that should set him back, but only further his progress in a return, still working to make the end of the season and the Sweden World Cup squad. The hope still is that the attacker can play again in May, although that will depend on his recovery and feeling.
Rehabbing in Spain
Kulusevski (knee) is continuing his rehab in Spain and will join the Sweden squad during the international break to support his teammates, according to coach Graham Potter, per Nyheter 24. "Dejan is in Spain, I think. So he will probably come by. It will be great to meet him. Where he is in his rehab, everything is working well."
Analysis: Kulusevski hit a setback in his recovery from the long-term knee injury that has kept him out for nearly a year, though he's still making solid progress and is reportedly continuing his rehab in Spain. The Swede will join the national team during the break to support his teammates and despite not being fit to play. The attacking midfielder is still targeting a return before the end of the season as Tottenham looks for a lift in the final stretch while trying to avoid relegation to the Championship. Until he's back up to full speed, Conor Gallagher and Richarlison are in line for more minutes for Tottenham.
Hopeful to return this season
Kulusevski (knee) remains sidelined but may have a chance to play in the final stages of the 2025/26 campaign, with coach Igor Tudor mentioning him in late February "He's had really big problems as you know, but he's positive and also the doctors are positive, so we'll see next week how he's going. We hope [he can play this season]. In this moment, we don't know.", Kieran Horn of Football London reports.
Analysis: Kulusevski has yet to make an appearance since suffering a severe knee issue in May 2025, so he might not find a big role even if he's back for the final weeks. Still, the midfielder has made progress in his recovery, and his eventual inclusion would give the team some playmaking power. Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher and Richarlison might be set to see extended outings.
Set for another appointment
Kulusevski (knee) is set for another appointment but appears to be nowhere near the squad, according to Thomas Frank. "Deki's got another appointment at the end of the week, where we will know more, but of course, being out of the Champions League squad is a sign it is not tomorrow. I don't know [if he will return before the end of the season].
Analysis: Kulusevski is still injured and appears to have no hope of a return soon, with the attacker recently not added to the UCL list. He will now meet for another appointment to get another opinion on his injury, hoping to gain a bit more knowledge on his situation. However, a return is still up in the air, potentially not an option at all this campaign.
Left off UCL squad
Kulusevski (knee) has been left off the squad list for UCL play moving forward, according to his club.
Analysis: Kulusevski is still yet to play this season after a knee injury to begin the campaign halted his season, appearing to be set to miss further time after left off the UCL list This comes despite around a month ago the club claiming he could be an option in a month, appearing to be no closer since the last update. The attackers return is still in limbo, with an even bigger question what spot he will hold once fit.
Gets injection, out another month
Kulusevski (knee) has received another injection and is set to miss at least another month of action, according to manager Thomas Frank. "The latest on Dejan. We know it is a complicated injury. If there is one person who can accelerate that (recovery) it is Dejan, who is a top pro and has a top mentality. The most important thing is to remove the pain in the knee. He had an injection to help that 10 days ago. We will know in 3-4 weeks if that has settled. And when it has settled, hopefully, he will be on the grass and from there, we will see what is happening."
Analysis: Kulusevski is still working on his return to play from knee injury and is taking another hit to timeline, as the attacker had to receive another injection and will miss at least three to four more weeks before he trains on grass. This continues his absence this season, having yet to make an appearance after an injury to his knee just ahead of the season. He will likely be set for a return near mid-February to the start of March, although they will be cautious with his return after the long time out, starting in 27 of his 32 appearances last campaign while recording seven goals and four assists.
Continues recovery
Kulusevski (knee) is continuing his recovery from a tricky injury, coach Thomas Frank said in a press conference, according to The Standard. "I would love to have him back soon. Unfortunately, it was a tricky injury he got so it just takes time. He is a key player and has been such a key player for us. They are working very hard and he is working very hard to come back on the pitch."
Analysis: Kulusevski is still working on his comeback from a tricky knee injury that requires time and is unlikely to allow him to return in the coming weeks. The Swedish forward was a regular starter prior to his injury and will likely remain a key player for the Spurs once he returns to full fitness.
Remains away from play
Kulusevski (knee) is still not an option for the team, according to manager Thomas Frank. "No. When they are ready to be close to joining the squad, then I will provide an update."
Analysis: Kulusevski is still battling his fitness and is not an option moving forward for the squad, likely a few weeks from joining the team. This will put the attacker in a pinch to be fit for the new year, possibly not making it back until January. However, that will be up to his recovery, with the attacker's return date unknown.
No timeframe on return
Kulusevski (knee) is still working on a return but has no timeframe for a return, according to manager Thomas Frank. "I'd love to have them ready to play for us, but they're unavailable, other players need to step up. It's much easier to say they're in, when available, rather than put a timeframe on it."
Analysis: Kulusevski hasn't trained on grass yet and continues to remain behind the curve, with the attacker still out with no timeframe to make his way back. He will likely eye the field again by the end of December or the start of the new year, a rough spell for the Swedish attacker. He still has yet to debut due to the injuries, hoping to start playing again sooner rather than later.
Hasn't trained on grass
Kulusevski (knee) is not back on grass yet, according to manager Thomas Frank.
Analysis: Kulusevski still has yet to see the field this season after a knee injury he carried through the summer left him with a long absence to begin this campaign. That said, the attacker seems to still be far from his return, as he is yet to even train on grass, at least keeping him out until after the international break. He started in 27 of his 32 appearances last season while bagging seven goals and four assists, so they will hope he is fit moving into December.
No update
Kulusevski (knee) remains sidelined and had no update on a return, per manager Thomas Frank. "It's all good from the guys who played on Sunday. Dominic - steps forward, it's step by step. Cuti is on the pitch, no timeframe, but on the pitch. Destiny is on the pitch as well, so, three steps forward."
Analysis: Kulusevski wasn't mentioned among the injured during Monday's press conference, but still is listed among those on the sideline. The attacking midfielder is working hard to get back on the pitch, but it seems a return before the November international break is in doubt. Kulusevski was labeled a long-term absentee during pre-season.
Working hard to return
Kulusevski (knee) is working hard with the medical staff in the rehabilitation of his injury and there is a good chance that he returns before the end of the year, coach Thomas Frank said in the press conference. "Of course Kulusevski is a top player, I always liked him when I saw him from afar. He is a key player for us, a key player for me. Instead of putting an exact month on it - October, November, December - I just want him back as quickly as possible. The medical guys and Kulusevski are working really hard on that. So, it's not tomorrow, but hopefully not too far away. Yes, there's a good chance for that [return before the end of the year]."
Analysis: Kulusevski suffered a season-ending knee injury and is still in his rehabilitation process while working hard with the medical staff. New coach Thomas Frank seems to highly rate the Swedish attacking midfielder and hopes his return will not take too long with a good chance it happens before the end of the year. This is good news for Spurs since Kulusevski has been a key player for the club in recent seasons when fit and they will count on him to reach their objectives in 2025/26.
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