MusaTottenham Hotspur have endured a lengthy wait for the return of versatile midfielder Dejan Kulusevski, but there are now growing signs that the Sweden international is edging closer to a comeback.
Kulusevski has been out of action for more than 500 days after suffering a patella injury during Tottenham’s clash with Crystal Palace in May 2025.
The initial expectation was that the midfielder would only spend a relatively short period on the sidelines. However, his recovery has proved far more complicated than anticipated, with the 26-year-old undergoing two separate knee surgeries.
Lucas Bergvall provides positive Kulusevski update
There is finally some encouragement for Spurs, with Kulusevski having returned to first-team training. He initially trained with the squad on the final day of August before suffering a minor setback, but he was back involved again last week.
As the Swedish star continues to build up his fitness, Tottenham teammate and fellow Sweden international Lucas Bergvall has offered an encouraging update on his progress.
Speaking to Fotbollskanalen, Bergvall said: “He is incredibly hungry and has done incredibly well. He is a real machine. We are all looking forward to having him back.”
Asked whether Kulusevski could return for Tottenham in the near future, Bergvall added: “I absolutely think so. Then it’s difficult for me to judge how he feels and how the club sees it. But it’s clear that he’s doing incredibly well in training and is making strides every day.”
Spurs hopeful of Kulusevski return after international break
There is now optimism that Kulusevski could be involved for Tottenham shortly after the current international break.
Spurs Web has reported a possible timeline for his comeback, with the midfielder potentially making his first appearance in a matchday squad when Spurs face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
If he is not ready for that fixture, Kulusevski could instead return in one of Tottenham’s following matches before another international break arrives in November.
The midfielder was also considered for a possible Sweden call-up during the current international break, but new national team manager Graham Potter ultimately decided not to select him.
Yasin Ayari also provides Kulusevski update
Kulusevski’s Sweden teammate and friend Yasin Ayari has also spoken positively about his recovery while away with the national team.
Ayari said: “He’s started training and is making progress. I’m happy for him, that he can come back and do what he loves. I just hope that things will go well when he’s 100 percent. He’s always been in shape and taken care of his body.
“It’s mostly mental, to see how mentally strong he’s been during this process. That he’s managed to keep a smile on his face even when it’s taken so long. There’s always been setbacks, but he always wakes up happy.
“It’s incredible how strong he’s been on this journey. Not many people can wake up and keep fighting after going through this much. He keeps fighting and is happy at the same time. When it comes down to it, it’s not normal. He’s very strong mentally. I learn a lot from that.”
Ayari was then asked when supporters could finally expect to see Kulusevski back playing for Tottenham and Sweden.
He admitted: “I don’t know. I don’t see him every day. Hopefully soon. We’ve all missed him in the national team. Hopefully soon. It’s hard for me to say. I don’t see him every day, I just talk to him.
“I hope soon. He’s back on the training ground, so step by step we hope he’ll be back. When he’s back he’ll be 100 percent.”
For Tottenham, Kulusevski’s return would provide another boost as the club continues to navigate a difficult period. After such a prolonged absence, Spurs will be hoping his recovery continues without further setbacks and that he can gradually return to competitive action.
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