Dejan Kulusevski is close to returning to competitive football after spending 16 months out with a serious knee injury, according to Goal.com.
The Tottenham midfielder resumed training with the first team at the beginning of September, marking a significant step in his recovery. His return could also come in time for Sweden’s upcoming Nations League matches, with national team manager Graham Potter considering whether to include him in the squad.
Potter is expected to make that decision after consulting Kulusevski and Tottenham’s medical staff. No final decision has been confirmed, but the player’s return to full first-team training has raised hopes that he may soon be available for Sweden again.
Kulusevski, 26, has not played in a competitive match since May 2025. The Sweden international underwent surgery on his right kneecap at the end of the 2024-25 season after suffering a serious knee problem.
His recovery did not progress as initially hoped. A second operation was required in March, extending his period on the sidelines and delaying his return to Tottenham action.
The prolonged rehabilitation also meant Kulusevski missed the World Cup. His absence removed him from Sweden’s plans during a major international tournament and added to the length of time he has spent away from competitive football.
Returning to first-team training represents the latest stage in a process that has lasted more than a year. However, any decision over his involvement in upcoming matches will depend on discussions between the player, Tottenham and Sweden’s medical personnel.
Kulusevski’s potential return would provide a boost for both club and country after a difficult period interrupted by two operations. Tottenham have been without the midfielder for all competitive matches since his last appearance in May 2025, while Sweden have had to plan without one of their established international players.
The priority now is to assess whether he is ready to make the next step from training to match football. Potter will use the medical advice and his conversations with Kulusevski and Tottenham before deciding whether to select him for the Nations League fixtures.
For now, his involvement in competitive football remains subject to that assessment. But after 16 months away, the midfielder is once again training alongside Tottenham’s first team and is closer to an official return than at any point since his injury.