Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dejan Kulusevski has revealed he feared he might never play football again after spending 526 days on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.
The Swedish international made his long-awaited return in Tottenham’s 3-1 Premier League win over Coventry City on Monday evening, coming off the bench in the 87th minute to a standing ovation from home supporters.
It was his first competitive appearance since May 2025, ending almost 18 months of injury problems, operations and setbacks.
Speaking after the victory, Kulusevski admitted there were moments when he believed returning to professional football might be impossible. The 26-year-old revealed he had warned those closest to him that his recovery might not be successful, despite continuing to believe he could eventually return.
“The journey felt impossible,” Kulusevski explained, reflecting on the difficulties he experienced throughout his rehabilitation. The midfielder also described the enormous amount of work required to regain his fitness, saying he spent up to ten hours a day working toward his comeback.
Kulusevski first suffered the knee injury during Tottenham’s Premier League match with Crystal Palace in May 2025. What was initially considered a relatively minor problem developed into a serious issue requiring surgery. The Swedish international later underwent a second procedure after complications and setbacks kept him from making the expected progress.
His absence kept him out of Tottenham’s Europa League final victory and the entire following season. During that period, Tottenham underwent considerable managerial changes, and Kulusevski couldn't contribute on the pitch.
The midfielder received a tremendous reception when Roberto De Zerbi introduced him during the closing stages against Coventry. Tottenham were protecting a narrow lead, with Kulusevski helping his teammates maintain possession and move the ball into attacking areas.
Following the final whistle, he shared an emotional embrace with fellow midfielder James Maddison, who had also endured a lengthy injury absence. De Zerbi welcomed both players back, highlighting their importance to the squad and the positive influence they bring.
Tottenham will now carefully manage Kulusevski’s return to regular first-team football. After missing almost 18 months of competitive action, the midfielder will need time to regain full match fitness before challenging for a regular starting spot.
His return nevertheless gives De Zerbi a significant boost, as his side have struggled to create and convert chances during the opening months of the campaign.
Tottenham return to Premier League action on Saturday, 24 October, travelling to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in a London derby. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:30pm, live on Sky Sports.
Roberto De Zerbi's side will hope to build on their 3-1 victory over Coventry and secure consecutive league wins.