Dejan Kulusevski return provides key boost for Spurs in 2026

Tottenham Hotspur’s Dejan Kulusevski is on track for a return to action after more than 500 days sidelined, with the winger completing specialist rehab in Sweden while continuing his rehabilitation from knee surgery. Forward progress has allowed him to rejoin full first-team training under manager Roberto De Zerbi, raising optimism that he could be available in the coming weeks.

Kulusevski closing in on Tottenham comeback

Tottenham’s rehabilitation timeline for Kulusevski remains cautious but positive. The 26-year-old has been working at elite training facilities in Sweden as part of a focused plan to maintain conditioning during his recovery, according to Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold. He has now returned to full first-team training with Spurs, provided there are no setbacks, with a potential return to match action anticipated in the near future.

Training and rehabilitation in Sweden

Rather than taking a lengthy break, Kulusevski traveled back to Sweden to sustain his conditioning through specialist sessions at high-performance centers. This approach, described by Football London and relayed by Gold, forms part of a deliberate strategy to bridge the gap between individual rehabilitation and regular first-team duties.

The winger briefly experienced a minor issue as his body adapted to the intensity of squad training, but the setback was short-lived and he quickly resumed full involvement with Spurs’ training sessions. Reaching full first-team training after more than 16 months — a period exceeding 500 days — marks a significant milestone in his comeback.

Why the return matters for Tottenham

Roberto De Zerbi has framed Kulusevski’s return as transformative for the squad, describing it as akin to signing a new player. His versatility provides tactical flexibility, attacking creativity and strong press resistance on either wing or in central attacking roles. With Spurs competing on multiple fronts, a fully fit Kulusevski would bolster De Zerbi’s options and depth in attack.

Beyond the tactical impact, the psychological lift of reintegrating a player of Kulusevski’s quality could be substantial. He has a proven track record of creating chances, dragging defenders and contributing goals and assists—qualities Spurs have missed during his long absence due to knee surgery.

Medical status and timeline

All updates emphasize caution. The current objective is to build a consistent volume of high-intensity training while avoiding new niggles that could delay full participation. If progress remains uninterrupted, Tottenham are aiming for a late-October return to the matchday squad, with fixtures after the international break—including a potential clash with Manchester United—seen as opportunities for his reintroduction.

Coaches and medical staff will manage his minutes carefully once he returns to competition. It is expected that Kulusevski will initially be used as a substitute before gradually taking on more minutes to adapt to Premier League demands.

Context and recent developments

The rehabilitation plan has been overseen by Tottenham’s medical team in collaboration with Swedish specialists. Reported notes highlight Kulusevski’s professionalism and proactive approach, choosing to work with specialist resources at home rather than taking a more passive rest period. This measured approach aligns with common best practices for returning from major knee surgery to minimize re-injury risk and preserve long-term performance.

For Spurs supporters, the possibility of Kulusevski being available before the end of October provides a timely boost. His return would add attacking options as Tottenham navigates a busy autumn schedule across league and cup commitments.

What happens next

Tottenham will continue to monitor Kulusevski’s training load and physical responses in the weeks following the international break. If he remains free of new issues, the most likely path is a late-October inclusion from the substitutes’ bench, followed by a gradual increase in minutes. Official updates are expected as matchday squads are confirmed.

Sources: Reporting by Alasdair Gold and Football London; club medical updates and statements from Roberto De Zerbi as previously quoted by Tottenham media.