Dejan Kulusevski Tottenham
Dejan Kulusevski Tottenham
A return timeline for Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski has finally been revealed, with an end to his 500‑day absence since first being sidelined in May 2025 now drawing near.
It has been 500 days since Dejan Kulusevski suffered his knee injury on 11 May 2025 following a challenge from then Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
Spurs went on to lose that match 2-0, but at the time former manager Ange Postecoglou suggested the injury was not too serious.
That proved far from the case, as Kulusevski underwent patella surgery later that month and missed the Europa League final, despite initial hopes of returning before the end of 2025.
What was expected to be a short lay-off has since stretched into more than a year, making this the longest absence of the Swede’s career.
Dejan Kulusevski Injury Record
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Season Injury From Until Days Games missed
25/26 Knee surgery 12/05/2025 06/09/2026 483 59
24/25 Foot injury 03/03/2025 10/04/2025 39 6
23/24 Ill 10/01/2024 16/01/2024 7 2
22/23 Thigh problems 29/09/2022 05/11/2022 38 10
21/22 Surgery 07/12/2021 15/12/2021 9 2
20/21 Coronavirus 08/06/2021 15/06/2021 8 1
19/20 Adductor pain 11/02/2020 20/02/2020 10 1
19/20 Left hip flexor problems 27/01/2020 07/02/2020 12 1
Dejan Kulusevski Tottenham
Credit: @thefrederikkejensen / Instagram
Tottenham handed Dejan Kulusevski injury boost
Kulusevski has remained resilient throughout his recovery, which included another surgery earlier this year following a setback. Now, there finally appears to be good news on the injury front.
According to The Sun, after 500 days out, Kulusevski is close to a return and could soon be included in a Premier League matchday squad.
Roberto De Zerbi made the bold decision to include three long‑term injury absentees – Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, and Dejan Kulusevski – in his 25‑man Premier League squad, while leaving out Richarlison. This strongly suggests the manager is anticipating each of those stars to return at some point this season.
The clash against Manchester United is now being tipped as a possible first involvement for the Swede. If that comes too soon, his return is expected within the next three or four games, barring any setbacks.
That means Spurs can expect Kulusevski to be involved in one of their matches against:
Saturday, October 10 – Manchester United (A) – 17:30
Monday, October 19 – Coventry City (H) – 20:00
Saturday, October 24 – Chelsea (A) – 17:30
Saturday, October 31– Crystal Palace (H) – 17:30
Saturday, November 7 – Leeds United (A) – 12:30
This is significant news for Tottenham, who have sorely missed the midfielder’s creativity and goalscoring ability over the past two seasons.
Spurs desperate for Kulusevski’s qualities
Kulusevski was immense for Spurs in the 2024-25 season, reaching double figures for both goals and assists in all competitions. He finished with 10 goals and 11 assists in 51 appearances – his best return in a Tottenham shirt.
But his impact has never been just about numbers. Kulusevski is a pressing machine, helping Spurs apply pressure high up the pitch – a skill Ange Postecoglou relied on heavily during his time in north London.
His versatility is also key, with the ability to play across midfield and on the wings. His ball-carrying from deep often relieves pressure and drives Spurs forward, qualities that have been sorely missed during his absence.
Kulusevski has since returned to first-team training, and in clips shared by Spurs Web, he looked sharp, dribbling confidently with the ball.
There was faint hope the midfielder might feature for Sweden during the international break, but that came too soon. Tottenham will now be hoping that after such a long lay-off, Kulusevski avoids further setbacks and can play a pivotal role in improving their fortunes on the pitch.