Tottenham Boost: Kulusevski Returns to Full Training After 14 Months Out

Tottenham Hotspur have received a significant fitness boost as midfielder Dejan Kulusevski has returned to full training after spending 14 months on the sidelines.

Long-Awaited Return

According to club insider Szyexcl on X, the 26-year-old Swedish international has resumed full training at Hotspur Way after missing the entirety of the 2025/26 season.

Kulusevski sustained a right patella injury following a collision with Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi during a league match in early May 2025. The playmaker has been sidelined for more than 13 months with the knee injury and, despite his efforts, was unable to recover in time for the World Cup.

A Frustrating Rehabilitation

The 26-year-old has endured a difficult recovery process marked by multiple setbacks. He has not played a competitive match for club or country since the Crystal Palace fixture in May 2025. Given the complexity of his cartilage injury—as explained by Sweden's team doctor—there were even understandable questions about whether he would ever return to the pitch.

At the start of July, Kulusevski was spotted doing light drills on the grass, which gave Tottenham fans hope that his return was nearing. Now, with confirmation of his return to full training, there is renewed optimism ahead of the new season.

Cautious Approach Expected

Kulusevski was not included in Roberto De Zerbi's 35-man squad for the pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia. The Italian manager has emphasized that Tottenham must take an extremely measured approach to the midfielder's reintegration following his lengthy absence.

De Zerbi has stated that Kulusevski remains central to the club's long-term plans, but his fitness must be handled with utmost care. This means fans may need to wait longer before seeing the Scandinavian star back in competitive action.

Context: Pre-Season So Far

Tottenham have played three friendly matches during their pre-season tour, with De Zerbi relying heavily on academy players. Key senior figures including Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke, and Kevin Danso have yet to feature, despite being part of the touring squad.

The North London side wrapped up their tour by beating Sydney FC in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in normal time. De Zerbi has explained his cautious approach, noting that he is unwilling to take unnecessary risks with key players ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. He has hinted that some could feature in a friendly against Chelsea on August 1.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.