Dejan Kulusevski is closing in on a long-awaited Tottenham comeback after taking part in an in-house 11v11 friendly at Hotspur Way during the international break, handing Roberto De Zerbi a badly needed lift ahead of Saturday's trip to Manchester United.
The 26-year-old Sweden international has not played for Spurs since suffering a complicated patella injury in his right knee against Crystal Palace in May 2025, a setback that has kept him out of action for more than 500 days. But according to football.london, citing the Daily Mail, the winger took part in an internal match between a senior side and a team of Under-18s and Under-21s at the end of the second week of the break.
A comeback more than a year in the making
Kulusevski returned to full team training in recent weeks after an encouraging rehabilitation, though Spurs are handling him with extreme care. football.london reported previously that there is no pressure from anyone inside the club on a timeline, and the medical staff are treating the final stages of his recovery cautiously.
That caution is understandable. De Zerbi confirmed at the end of September that Kulusevski's return to full training had suffered a minor hitch ahead of the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest on September 5.
"Kulusevski started [training] with us at the beginning of the week, and then the last two days, a small, small problem, stopped [him from training]," the Italian said. "But I think he's in a good way. It's going very well. I already said the medical staff is very high level. We can be positive with him. I'm looking forward to having Deki in the squad."
What it means for Spurs' run-in
Tottenham's season has stuttered in Kulusevski's absence, and his creativity has been badly missed. With Richarlison also working his way back and the Manchester United trip looming, De Zerbi finally has attacking options returning at the right time.
Spurs face a defining stretch: United away on Saturday, then the small matter of keeping pace in the top four. Having Kulusevski available — even from the bench — changes the dynamic entirely.
De Zerbi's selection headache
The Italian now faces the kind of problem managers crave: too many options. Kulusevski's versatility across the front line gives De Zerbi flexibility, whether starting wide or drifting inside as a number ten.
Beyond the Final Whistle: after 500 days out, Kulusevski's return is the boost Tottenham desperately needed. If he comes through the United trip unscathed, Spurs' season could look very different by November.
Can Kulusevski hit the ground running after 500 days out? Tell us below.
