Swedish midfielder Dejan Kulusevski of Tottenham Hotspur has taken a long-awaited step towards returning to the pitch. After 513 days of absence due to a serious knee injury, the player has officially started full training with the main squad. This period has been the most difficult test in the 26-year-old's career, forcing him to go through a series of surgeries and psychological crises.
Injury timeline and path to recovery
Kulusevski's problems began at the end of the 2024/25 season in a match against Crystal Palace. Initially, the injury seemed minor, but further examination revealed a serious joint pathology. The subsequent surgery led to complications: in January 2026, a course of intensive injections was required, and in March, a second surgical procedure was performed to clean the joint. Instead of the planned return in December 2025, the player remained on the sidelines for over a year and a half.
Personal drama and family support
The rehabilitation period was a difficult test not only for Dejan but for his entire family. The footballer's wife, Eldina, published a touching letter revealing the details of what the player had to go through: from constant pain to doubts about the possibility of continuing his career. According to Eldina, this journey of resilience became an important life lesson for their daughters.
Current status and outlook
At the moment, Kulusevski continues to build fitness under the close supervision of the medical staff. During the international break, he successfully participated in an 11-on-11 training match against the U-18 and U-21 youth squads. The club is taking a very cautious stance, not announcing specific dates for his full return to official Premier League matches.
Conflicting data
There are differences in expectations regarding the timing of the player's adaptation. While the coaching staff emphasizes the need for "gradual integration," some sports analysts note that during the Swede's absence, Tottenham changed four managers and three captains, which creates additional difficulties for tactically integrating the player into the team's updated playing model.
