Dejan Kulusevski is finally back in Tottenham Hotspur’s matchday squad after 526 days on the sidelines, bringing an emotional end to a lengthy injury battle that kept the Swedish international away from competitive football for more than a year.
The 26-year-old has been named among Tottenham’s substitutes for their Premier League meeting with Coventry City on Monday, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from a serious knee injury.
For a player who had become an important part of Tottenham’s attacking setup, the return represents more than just another name on the team sheet. It is the culmination of months of rehabilitation, setbacks and uncertainty over when he would be able to return to the pitch.
Kulusevski last featured for Spurs against Crystal Palace on May 11, 2025. His subsequent knee problem, involving a complicated patella injury, required surgery and an extended rehabilitation programme that ruled him out for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign and kept him unavailable throughout the following season.
His absence deprived Tottenham of a versatile attacking player capable of operating on the wing or in a more central creative role. Before the injury, Kulusevski had established himself as an influential figure in the side, combining close control, physical strength and an ability to create opportunities for teammates.
His prolonged absence also coincided with significant changes at the club, including changes in the coaching setup and a reshaping of the squad. While Tottenham continued searching for consistency in attack, the Swedish playmaker remained focused on returning to full fitness.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed the positive development ahead of the Coventry encounter, revealing that the club’s medical staff had cleared Kulusevski to take his place on the bench.
The Italian coach expressed his happiness at the news, emphasising the personal significance of the comeback after the difficulties the player had endured.
De Zerbi’s comments reflected the relief surrounding Kulusevski’s return, with the manager making it clear that the moment meant more than simply gaining another attacking option.
The midfielder’s inclusion is particularly encouraging for a Tottenham side seeking renewed momentum in the Premier League. His creativity, work rate and ability to carry the ball forward could provide valuable alternatives as the team looks to improve its attacking output.
However, being named in the matchday squad does not automatically mean Kulusevski will feature against Coventry. After such a lengthy absence, Tottenham will need to manage his workload carefully and assess his readiness for competitive action.
A gradual return is likely to be important as he rebuilds match fitness and regains confidence following the serious injury.
For supporters, the prospect of seeing him back in Tottenham colours will nevertheless be a welcome sight. The midfielder’s quality and versatility have been missed, and his availability offers the club another potential source of creativity as the season progresses.
His return also provides a reminder of the physical and mental demands of recovering from a major injury. Rehabilitation can involve long periods away from the spotlight, with progress often measured in small steps rather than immediate results.
After 526 days without a competitive appearance, Kulusevski has now reached a crucial stage in that journey.
Whether he gets minutes against Coventry or has to wait a little longer, his presence on the bench signals that the long-awaited comeback is approaching.
For Tottenham, the immediate priority will be to help him return safely and gradually rediscover the form that made him such an important player. For Kulusevski, the challenge is to turn this milestone into the beginning of a sustained return to competitive football.
