MusaTottenham Hotspur have received a significant boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Coventry, with Dejan Kulusevski set to return to the matchday squad for the first time in 526 days. However, Spurs will be without Sávio and Lucas Bergvall, who have both suffered injury setbacks.
Roberto De Zerbi confirmed the latest developments after Tottenham spent much of the week at a warm-weather training camp in Marbella. While the preparations provided an opportunity for the squad to work on their fitness and tactical approach, Sávio was forced to miss part of the camp after reporting a muscular problem on Tuesday.
Bergvall is also expected to be unavailable for approximately two weeks after picking up a knee issue during Tottenham’s recent match against Manchester United.
Despite those setbacks, the biggest positive news for Spurs concerns Kulusevski, whose improving fitness has put him in contention to make his long-awaited return against Coventry on Monday night.
The Swedish international has endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury, with his recovery complicated by a persistent patella problem that required another procedure in March.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, De Zerbi confirmed that the 26-year-old had been given the green light to return to the matchday squad.
“Yes, Kulusevski will be on the bench. We had a meeting with the medical staff, and they gave the OK. It’s great news,” the Tottenham manager explained.
He added that Kulusevski had suffered considerably during his rehabilitation and deserved the opportunity to experience the excitement of playing football again.
De Zerbi also revealed that Sávio’s injury occurred shortly before the squad travelled to Marbella, explaining that the Brazilian winger would be unavailable for several weeks.
Regarding Bergvall, the Italian coach said the midfielder reported his problem to the club’s medical staff the day after the Manchester United match, with an estimated two-week recovery period.
Pedro Porro Could Return Against Chelsea
Tottenham have also received encouraging news regarding right-back Pedro Porro, who could be available for next Saturday’s trip to Chelsea.
His potential return would provide another boost to De Zerbi, although the Spurs boss will still have several selection problems to address before Monday’s encounter.
The North London club are expected to be without seven players against Coventry, while Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended. With Tottenham struggling near the bottom of the Premier League table and still searching for their first league victory of the campaign, the pressure to deliver a positive result continues to grow.
De Zerbi, however, has warned against underestimating their opponents, praising Coventry’s performances in the Championship last season.
“Coventry are a good team. They played a fantastic Championship last season,” he said.
Nevertheless, the Tottenham manager made it clear that his team must approach the contest with confidence while maintaining the humility and determination required to secure three points.
He stressed that Spurs needed to demonstrate they were capable of winning matches, particularly when their performances justified the result.
Kulusevski Finally Closes In on His Tottenham Comeback
Kulusevski’s expected return represents a particularly emotional moment for Tottenham, given the length and difficulty of his recovery.
The playmaker missed the club’s Europa League triumph in 2025, the entirety of the following season and the summer’s World Cup because of his ongoing knee problems.
His absence has deprived Spurs of an important creative presence, making his return potentially valuable as they attempt to turn around their disappointing start to the Premier League campaign.
De Zerbi revealed that he personally informed the Swedish international on Saturday that he could be included in the squad for the Coventry fixture.
According to the Tottenham manager, the news immediately brought a huge smile to Kulusevski’s face.
“I told him that I had spoken with the medical staff and they had given me the OK, and he smiled widely,” De Zerbi explained.
The Italian coach admitted that his happiness went beyond the footballing benefits of having the player available again.
He described Kulusevski as a special player but emphasised that the most important thing was seeing him overcome such a difficult period in his career.
De Zerbi added that the midfielder had suffered enormously throughout his recovery but had shown an admirable attitude while working towards his return.
Although Kulusevski is expected to begin Monday’s match on the bench, his inclusion would represent a major step forward after more than a year away from competitive action.
De Zerbi Distances Himself From the Richarlison Controversy
Meanwhile, Richarlison remains unavailable for Tottenham’s first team after being omitted from the club’s 25-man Premier League squad following a turbulent summer transfer window.
The Brazilian forward had been linked with a departure from North London, but a move away from the club failed to materialise. He subsequently found himself outside De Zerbi’s first-team plans.
Richarlison did feature for Tottenham’s Under-21 side on Tuesday, scoring during their Jersey Mike’s Trophy encounter against Cheltenham Town.
However, the striker attracted further attention on Saturday after sharing the words “you are right” on his Instagram story alongside a post featuring former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson criticising De Zerbi’s treatment of the Brazilian.
The social media post appeared to reignite the disagreement surrounding Richarlison’s situation, prompting renewed questions about his relationship with the Tottenham manager.
De Zerbi, however, was unwilling to become involved in the controversy.
“It’s not my problem any more. You have to ask Vinai [Venkatesham], or Johan [Lange]. It’s not my problem,” he insisted.
His response suggests that Richarlison’s future is now a matter for Tottenham’s senior leadership rather than something the manager intends to discuss further.
With Kulusevski moving closer to a return, Porro potentially nearing fitness and several other players still unavailable, Tottenham must now concentrate on the immediate challenge against Coventry.
For De Zerbi, the priority will be securing a much-needed league victory. Kulusevski’s return offers a welcome source of encouragement, but Spurs will need a strong collective performance if they are to end their difficult run and give their supporters something to celebrate.
Musa
