Dejan Kulusevski is finally closing in on his long-awaited return to competitive football after an extraordinary 477-day absence, giving Tottenham Hotspur and their supporters a major reason for optimism.
The Sweden international has endured one of the most frustrating injury spells of his career after suffering a serious knee problem in May 2025. His recovery proved far more complicated than initially expected, involving surgery, setbacks and another procedure before he was eventually able to return to full team training.
For Tottenham fans, including supporters following the Premier League from Cambodia, the return of one of Spurs’ most creative attacking players could be an important development for the club’s 2026/27 campaign.
🟢 Latest update: Kulusevski has returned to full team training after 477 days away from the first-team group. However, a return to competitive match action is expected to be managed carefully.
Dejan Kulusevski’s Long Road Back to Fitness
Kulusevski’s injury nightmare began during Tottenham’s Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace on 11 May 2025.
The Swedish attacker suffered a problem with his right knee and subsequently underwent surgery. What initially appeared to be an injury that could be managed within months developed into a much longer rehabilitation process.
The 26-year-old eventually required another procedure in March 2026 after continuing to experience complications.
The extended absence meant Kulusevski missed a huge amount of football. He was unavailable for Tottenham during a turbulent period that included their Europa League success and a difficult Premier League campaign.
He also missed Sweden’s 2026 World Cup campaign, despite his importance to the national team.
According to reports from Sweden, Kulusevski had been away from competitive football since May 2025 before finally making the breakthrough in his rehabilitation.
Roberto De Zerbi Has Been Careful With Kulusevski
Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi has previously stressed the importance of avoiding unnecessary pressure on Kulusevski.
In August, De Zerbi explained that the midfielder was still working individually rather than fully training with the group. The Spurs boss also acknowledged how difficult the player’s injury experience had been and highlighted the difference Kulusevski could make once fully fit.
De Zerbi described the Swedish international as a special player and indicated that Tottenham were supporting him throughout the final stages of his rehabilitation.
Earlier, the manager had also said he did not want to rush the process, while hoping Kulusevski could become available as soon as possible.
This cautious approach makes sense.
After more than a year away from competitive football, returning to full training is only one stage of the comeback. Kulusevski will still need to rebuild match fitness, sharpness and confidence before being considered ready for Premier League minutes.
🟡 Key point: Returning to team training does not necessarily mean Kulusevski will immediately start a Premier League match.
Why Kulusevski’s Return Could Be Huge for Tottenham
Tottenham have spent a significant period without one of their most versatile attacking players.
Kulusevski can operate as a winger, attacking midfielder or creative playmaker. His ability to carry the ball, create opportunities and combine with forwards gives Tottenham another tactical option.
That versatility could become particularly valuable for De Zerbi as the Italian continues to shape his Spurs team.
His return could also increase competition for places in the attacking positions, potentially giving Tottenham greater flexibility during a demanding Premier League season.
For Cambodian football fans following the Premier League, Kulusevski is a familiar name because of his influence during previous Tottenham campaigns.
The 477-Day Milestone
Kulusevski himself provided an emotional update when he returned to full team training.
After 477 days, the Swedish international announced that he was finally back training with the team. His message reflected the difficult journey he had experienced during his rehabilitation.
Swedish outlet SVT reported that the player celebrated the return after more than 15 months away from football, while Tottenham’s training-ground images provided supporters with a first look at him working alongside his teammates again.
The milestone is significant because the biggest challenge was not simply the original injury. Kulusevski had to deal with setbacks and an extended rehabilitation process that repeatedly delayed his return.
Now, however, the focus has changed from rehabilitation to preparation for competitive football.
When Could Kulusevski Play for Tottenham Again?
There is still an important distinction between returning to full training and being ready for a competitive Premier League match.
At this stage, Tottenham are expected to manage Kulusevski carefully rather than immediately throw him into a high-intensity match.
His first appearance could therefore come through a gradual process, potentially involving controlled minutes before he is trusted with a full match.
The exact date remains dependent on his physical condition, training response and the medical team’s assessment.
For De Zerbi, the priority will be making sure the Swedish star stays healthy rather than rushing him back for one particular fixture.
A Major Boost for Spurs and Their Fans
Kulusevski’s return comes at an important time for Tottenham.
After spending 477 days away from first-team football, simply seeing the Swedish star back in full training represents a major psychological boost for the club.
Tottenham will naturally hope that he can eventually reproduce the creativity and attacking influence that made him such an important part of the team before his injury.
There is no guarantee that he will immediately return to his best level. Match rhythm takes time, particularly after such a long absence.
But the biggest hurdle has now been cleared.
What Tottenham Supporters Should Expect
The message from Tottenham should be one of patience and optimism.
Kulusevski’s return to full training is excellent news, but his competitive comeback should be handled step by step. After multiple procedures and more than 15 months without competitive football, rebuilding his physical condition will take time.
For Spurs, however, having Kulusevski available again could eventually feel like signing a new attacking player without spending a transfer fee.
For Cambodian Premier League and international football followers who also enjoy watching the Premier League, his comeback will be one of the stories worth following closely during the opening stages of the season.
Dejan Kulusevski’s 477-day wait is finally over. Now, Tottenham fans can start looking forward to seeing their Swedish star back where he belongs — on the football pitch.
