Dejan Kulusevski injury update: Postecoglou shares what midfielder said about knee blow

Tottenham Hotspur supporters endured another nerve-wracking moment as Dejan Kulusevski limped off the pitch during their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace. The Swedish midfielder, who had been one of the few regular starters retained in a heavily rotated side, suffered a painful knock to his knee after a robust challenge from Palace defender Marc Guehi.

With the Europa League final against Manchester United looming on May 21st, Spurs can ill afford another key player sidelined—especially after already losing James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall to long-term injuries.

Manager Ange Postecoglou had made eight changes to the lineup that secured victory against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League, opting to rest several key figures ahead of the crucial fixtures ahead.

However, Kulusevski, along with Pedro Porro and captain Rodrigo Bentancur, were tasked with maintaining momentum at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The decision to field them backfired when Kulusevski crumpled to the turf following Guehi’s challenge, clutching his knee in visible discomfort.

After receiving on-pitch treatment, the 23-year-old attempted to soldier on but quickly realized he couldn’t continue. His eventual substitution for young Mikey Moore only heightened fears among the home crowd, who have grown all too familiar with injury setbacks this season.

As Kulusevski trudged down the tunnel with his head in his hands, Postecoglou offered a consoling pat—a small gesture that did little to ease the growing anxiety around the club’s mounting fitness concerns.

Following the final whistle, Postecoglou moved swiftly to allay fears over Kulusevski’s condition. Speaking to Football.London, the Australian manager downplayed the severity of the knock, offering a cautiously optimistic assessment.

“He should be okay,” Postecoglou stated. “Just talking to him after the game, the medical team isn’t too concerned. It was just a knock, nothing more serious than that.”

For Spurs fans, the update provided a much-needed sigh of relief. Kulusevski’s creativity and work rate have been vital this season, particularly in the absence of Maddison, whose absence has already left a glaring void in midfield. With the Europa League final just weeks away, Tottenham’s hopes of silverware could hinge on the fitness of their key players.

Tottenham’s next challenge comes on Friday with a tricky away trip to Aston Villa—a fixture that presents Postecoglou with yet another selection dilemma. Should he risk Kulusevski, or would it be wiser to rest him and prioritize his availability for the final in Bilbao? Given the player’s importance and the team’s recent struggles in front of goal, the decision carries significant weight.

The manager’s tendency to rotate his squad suggests he may err on the side of caution. With Villa fighting for their own European ambitions, the match promises to be a physical battle—one that could exacerbate any lingering issues for Kulusevski.

On the other hand, dropping points in the Premier League could dent morale at a time when momentum is crucial.

Kulusevski’s scare underscores a recurring theme in Tottenham’s campaign: their over-reliance on a handful of key figures. Injuries to Maddison, Bergvall, and now the Swede’s latest knock have exposed the squad’s lack of depth in attacking areas.

While youngsters like Mikey Moore offer promise, the pressure on established stars to stay fit has become unsustainable.

The Europa League final represents Tottenham’s best chance at ending their trophy drought, but their path has been littered with obstacles. Postecoglou’s ability to navigate these injury crises could define his first season in charge.

For now, the immediate focus remains on Kulusevski’s recovery—and whether he can return in time to help Spurs salvage something from what has been a turbulent campaign.

As the medical team monitors his progress, supporters will be hoping for positive updates in the coming days. One thing is certain: in a season already marred by setbacks, Tottenham cannot afford another blow to their ambitions.