MusaTottenham Hotspur have endured a long wait for Dejan Kulusevski to return to full fitness, but there are now growing signs that the Swedish midfielder is getting 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.
What was initially expected to be a relatively short absence has developed into a lengthy rehabilitation process, with the 26-year-old undergoing two separate knee surgeries.
Lucas Bergvall provides encouraging Kulusevski update
There is finally some positive news for Tottenham, with Kulusevski having returned to first-team training.
The midfielder initially rejoined the squad on the final day of August, only to suffer a minor setback. However, he returned to training again last week and is continuing to work towards a full recovery.
His Sweden teammate Lucas Bergvall has now offered an encouraging update on Kulusevski’s condition.
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 soon, 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.”
Tottenham hopeful of Kulusevski comeback after international break
According to Spurs Web, Kulusevski could potentially return to a Tottenham matchday squad after the upcoming international break, with Manchester United away mentioned as one possible opportunity.
If he is not ready to feature at Old Trafford, the Sweden international could potentially make his comeback in one of Tottenham’s following fixtures before the next international break in November.
Kulusevski had a slim possibility of being selected for Sweden during the current international break, but manager Graham Potter ultimately decided against calling him up.
His close friend and Sweden teammate Yasin Ayari has also spoken positively about the midfielder’s recovery.
“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,” Ayari said.
Ayari also praised Kulusevski for the mental strength he has shown throughout such a difficult rehabilitation.
“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,” he added.
“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 also asked when Tottenham and Sweden supporters could expect to see Kulusevski back in competitive action.
“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,” he explained.
“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 major boost as the midfielder continues the final stages of his long road back from injury.
Musa
