Dejan Kulusevski has made his long-awaited return to full training with Tottenham Hotspur after being sidelined for over 15 months with a knee injury. The Sweden international announced his comeback on Instagram on Monday evening.
His last competitive appearance was in a Premier League match against Crystal Palace on 11 May 2025, where he injured his right patella. He underwent surgery on the knee's cartilage just three days later, on 14 May 2025. A subsequent arthroscopy procedure in March 2026 was required to clean up the joint, further extending his recovery. The lengthy absence meant he was unavailable for Sweden's 2026 World Cup campaign.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi discussed Kulusevski's progress during a press conference last Friday. De Zerbi stated the player was improving daily and expressed his hope to include him in the Premier League squad list. The Italian coach described Kulusevski as a good person and a different kind of player who deserved his place in the squad. This positive update from the manager provides a significant boost for a Tottenham side currently sitting 20th in the Premier League with zero points from their opening two games, having conceded five goals without scoring.
The winger shared the news of his return directly with fans on social media. His Instagram post featured a powerful message alongside a photo of a letter from his family. Kulusevski wrote, "after 477 days I came back to full team training." He added a philosophical note, stating, "Everything is impossible until it is not. Want to see a miracle? Be one." The family letter referenced the pain, doubt, surgeries, and countless hours of training and rehabilitation he endured throughout the ordeal.
The return of a key attacking player is a welcome development for a team struggling at the foot of the table, already six points behind early leaders Manchester City. Integrating Kulusevski back into match fitness will be a priority for De Zerbi and his medical staff. The club's immediate focus shifts to their next fixture, an away trip to face Nottingham Forest on 5 September 2026. Forest currently occupy 15th place in the standings. Fans can track the team's schedule on our fixtures page and view the full league table on our standings section.
Kulusevski's injury saga began with that single challenge in the match against Palace in May 2025. The initial patella cartilage surgery was followed by months of recovery before the arthroscopy earlier this year. The total absence spanned more than 15 months, a period that included missing a major international tournament. His return to full team training this week represents the final major hurdle before a potential return to competitive action. Supporters can monitor the status of all players on the club's injuries list.
Tottenham Hotspur's next match is against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on 5 September 2026.
