Tottenham's Kulusevski near return as Potter hints at September call‑up
Sweden manager Graham Potter has signalled that Tottenham’s 26‑year‑old winger Dejan Kulusevski is edging close to a return after a spell of more than 500 days on the sidelines. The forward, who has missed the entire 2025/26 season with knee cartilage surgery, could be back in action for the national side as early as the September international break.
Injury saga and training comeback
Potter explained that Kulusevski’s rehabilitation has been arduous, the Swede having undergone knee cartilage surgery and remaining out of action for over 15 months. Sources differ on the exact length of his absence, citing a 500‑day lay‑off in one report and 477 days in another. However, both club and country are now preparing for his imminent return to match fitness.
Tottenham confirmed that the winger returned to full training this week, ending a near‑500‑day hiatus. Roberto De Zerbi and the club’s medical staff, however, withdrew him from the Nottingham Forest trip after a minor setback, opting for a cautious reintegration. The injury also forced him to miss the whole 2025/26 season for both club and country.
Sweden’s plans and upcoming fixtures
Potter said Kulusevski is “very close” to a national call‑up and hopes he can join the squad for the autumn internationals. Sweden begin the break at home against Romania on 25 September, followed by Poland three days later, before travelling to face Bosnia and Herzegovina on 2 October and Romania again on 5 October.
Kulusevski last played for Sweden on 19 November 2024, scoring twice and providing an assist in a 6‑0 win over Azerbaijan. He has amassed 45 caps, five goals and 12 assists for the Swedes, and was named in Tottenham’s 25‑man Premier League squad for the current season. He has not featured for Spurs since 11 May 2025, when he was forced off with injury against Crystal Palace.
Potter added, “We have to be careful with him; I hope he comes with us, but we have to talk to Dejan and Tottenham first.” He praised Kulusevski’s character and technical quality, calling him a world‑class player whose presence greatly benefits the national side.
If the medical green light is given, the Swede could feature in the September fixtures, giving Tottenham a boost ahead of the busy winter programme. The club’s faith in his recovery remains evident, with the player remaining on the Premier League roster despite his long lay‑off.