Potter Reveals the Real Status of Dejan Kulusevski’s Injury and Provides Tottenham Return Timeline
Sweden manager Graham Potter has provided a fresh update on injured Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski, offering the clearest hint yet about when the star could finally return.
Kulusevski out since May with long-running knee issue
The 25-year-old has been missing since Tottenham’s 2–0 loss to Crystal Palace in May, when he was forced off with pain in his right patella after just 19 minutes. What first looked like a minor setback was later revealed to be significant damage that required surgery on May 14th—ruling him out of Spurs’ Europa League final win over Manchester United.
Former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou admitted at the time that the injury was a shock, saying early tests suggested the knee was structurally fine before further scans showed otherwise. He warned that Kulusevski would be out “at least a few months” with no clear idea whether he’d be available for the start of the 2025/26 season.
Seven months later, Kulusevski has still not played a competitive minute under Thomas Frank, and his absence has deeply affected Tottenham’s creativity—especially with James Maddison also sidelined long-term with an ACL injury. Spurs have been forced to improvise in the No.10 role, with Xavi Simons the only natural fit.
Although footage recently showed Kulusevski training in Dubai during a warm-weather rehab camp, Frank has refused to set any expectations, saying he will only comment “when they are really close to being involved.”
Potter reveals the ‘truth’ about Kulusevski’s injury – and a possible return date
Speaking on the Fotbollskanalen podcast (via Sport Witness), Potter offered more clarity than Tottenham have so far. The Sweden boss said he believes Kulusevski could be ready for Sweden’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine in March.
Potter admitted the winger has been dealing with a “really complicated” injury:
> “I met Dejan last week. He’s working hard to come back. This has been a complicated injury—that’s the truth. He’s progressing well and in a good place, but when you’re close to returning you can still have small setbacks because it’s a long process. He’s positive and desperate to return.”
When asked if the forward would be ready for March, Potter didn’t hesitate:
> “I’m convinced. That’s my feeling from speaking with him and seeing where he is in his recovery. The final stage of rehab can go up and down, but he’s in a good place. Predicting March exactly is impossible, but I’m confident he’ll be there.”
Kulusevski’s extended absence has shocked many, and Frank will be eager to have one of his most productive players back as soon as possible. The Swedish star notched 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 games last season, and Spurs have badly missed his influence.
With both Kulusevski and Maddison out, Tottenham’s creativity has taken a major hit—but if Potter’s assessment is correct, the wait for Kulusevski’s return may finally be close to ending.