Tottenham Hotspur fans are still waiting for the return of Dejan Kulusevski, nearly a year after his last official appearance for the club. The Swedish international last featured in a match on May 11, 2025, a 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace. While a subsequent Europa League triumph offered a silver lining to the season, Kulusevski’s participation was limited to celebrations on crutches, foreshadowing a frustratingly long road to recovery.
The initial diagnosis from then-manager Ange Postecoglou described the injury as “a blow,” but not one to cause significant concern. However, a patella issue proved far more complex than initially anticipated, requiring not one, but two surgical interventions. The first took place in May 2025, with a second procedure following weeks later, according to reports. Kulusevski has spent much of the intervening period undergoing rehabilitation, traveling between London and Barcelona in an effort to regain fitness.
The lack of concrete updates regarding Kulusevski’s condition has fueled speculation and anxiety among Tottenham supporters. The player himself briefly addressed the situation while with the Swedish national team, stating, “We removed what shouldn’t be there, now my knee is fine.” However, this statement, coupled with his visibly labored gait, did little to quell concerns. The ambiguity surrounding his recovery timeline has been a recurring theme throughout his absence.
Initial reports in October 2025 suggested a potential return before the complete of the year, but those hopes were dashed. According to a report from iNews, Kulusevski received further injections in December to manage persistent pain. The article details the ongoing struggles the player has faced in his rehabilitation process.
Sweden national team manager Graham Potter recently offered a cautious assessment of Kulusevski’s progress. “Dejan is making progress, but not as quickly as we would like,” Potter stated, as reported by various outlets. These words carry significant weight, particularly with Sweden’s crucial World Cup playoff final against Poland looming. The team is hoping for Kulusevski’s contribution, but his availability remains uncertain.
Kulusevski’s absence is particularly keenly felt given Tottenham’s current predicament. The club is battling to avoid relegation, and his creativity and attacking prowess could prove vital in the remaining matches of the season. The 25-year-old, who joined Tottenham permanently in June 2023 after a successful loan spell from Juventus, has established himself as a key player when fit. His career statistics demonstrate a consistent record of goals and assists, making his prolonged absence all the more impactful.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Destiny Udogie, a fellow Tottenham player, is also recovering from a knee problem. Udogie recently shared a clip on Snapchat of Kulusevski doing fitness work on the grass in Dubai, offering a glimmer of hope. Football.London reported on this development, noting that Tottenham remain reluctant to provide a definitive timeframe for Kulusevski’s return.
The double surgery and extended rehabilitation period are unusual for a patella injury, raising questions about the severity of the initial damage and potential complications. While the club has remained tight-lipped about the specifics, the lack of transparency has understandably frustrated fans. It’s important to remember that recovery timelines can vary significantly depending on the individual and the nature of the injury, but the length of Kulusevski’s absence is undeniably concerning.
For Tottenham Hotspur, the priority is securing their Premier League status. The team’s performance in the coming weeks will be crucial, and the potential return of Kulusevski could provide a significant boost. However, even if he does regain full fitness, it remains to be seen how quickly he will be able to reintegrate into the team and rediscover his best form. The club will need to manage his workload carefully to avoid risking a recurrence of the injury.
The situation also has implications for the Swedish national team. With a World Cup playoff final on the horizon, Potter will be hoping that Kulusevski can regain fitness in time to contribute. His experience and attacking ability would be a valuable asset, but his recent form and fitness concerns make his inclusion a gamble.
As of March 31, 2026, Kulusevski’s return date remains uncertain. Tottenham Hotspur have not provided a specific timeline, and the player’s progress is being monitored closely by both club and country. The next confirmed checkpoint for Kulusevski will be his continued rehabilitation program, with updates expected from Tottenham Hotspur as and when they become available. Fans will be eagerly awaiting any positive news regarding the Swedish star’s recovery.
What are your thoughts on Kulusevski’s injury and potential return? Share your opinions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow Tottenham supporters.
