The recovery of Dejan Kulusevski has become a saga of patience and medical precision that stretches far beyond the borders of North London. As the international break loomed, Sweden manager Graham Potter broke his silence regarding the availability of his talismanic captain, offering a glimpse into a rehabilitation process that has kept the playmaker off the pitch for nearly an entire year.
The stakes could not be higher for the Swedish national team, as they prepare for a high-tension World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine. For both club and country, the absence of Kulusevski has created a void in creativity that neither Igor Tudor at Tottenham nor Graham Potter in the national dugout has managed to fill effectively.
Kulusevski has not kicked a competitive ball since undergoing extensive surgery on his patella last May. This long-term knee issue has proven to be a “rollercoaster” for the 25-year-old, with setbacks and specialized treatments extending his time in the treatment room far beyond initial expectations.
Graham Potter, speaking to the media this week, admitted that he is essentially “keeping his fingers crossed” for a miracle return. The Swedish boss faces a double crisis, as Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak also remains a major doubt following a severe fibula fracture sustained in December. Potter acknowledged the reality that if these two superstars remain sidelined, he must find a tactical solution with the limited resources currently available to him.
The complexity of Kulusevski’s injury cannot be overstated. Before his recent dismissal, former Tottenham manager Thomas Frank provided an honest assessment of the situation, noting that the medical staff had to resort to specialized injections to manage persistent pain in the joint.
The goal remains for the former Juventus starlet to return to the grass “pain-free,” but the club remains fiercely protective of the player’s long-term health. Despite the dire situation Tottenham finds itself in battling at the wrong end of the Premier League table the hierarchy refuses to rush their most creative asset back into the fray prematurely. A premature return could lead to a catastrophic setback that might jeopardize the rest of his career.
Recent sightings of Kulusevski on a flight to Barcelona have only added to the mystery and concern surrounding his recovery. It is understood that he traveled to the Spanish city to consult with world-renowned specialists for a final medical checkup, a move often seen as the last step before a player begins the final phase of full-intensity training.
However, even with specialized care, the lack of match fitness remains a significant hurdle. Kulusevski has not represented his country since a dominant performance against Azerbaijan in November 2024, where he netted twice and provided an assist in a 6-0 rout. His importance to the Swedish setup is emphasized by the fact that he captained the side in five out of their six UEFA Nations League matches prior to the injury.
The situation for Alexander Isak is equally concerning for Potter. Liverpool manager Arne Slot recently provided a transparent update on the £125 million striker, noting that while Isak has finally traded his medical boots for running shoes, he is still not ready to participate in football-specific drills.
A fibula fracture is a grueling injury that requires perfect bone fusion before a player can handle the pivoting and high-impact nature of professional football. For Sweden to lose both their primary goalscorer and their chief playmaker simultaneously ahead of a World Cup play-off is a scenario that Potter likely views with a sense of dread.
| Player | Injury Type | Last Appearance | Status |
| Dejan Kulusevski | Patella Surgery | May 2025 | Medical checkup in Barcelona |
| Alexander Isak | Fibula Fracture | Dec 2025 | Running, but no ball work |
| Cristian Romero | Suspension | Feb 2026 | Returns March 15 |
| James Maddison | Muscle Strain | Feb 2026 | Sidelined indefinitely |
At Tottenham, the absence of Kulusevski has coincided with a dramatic fall from grace. The team currently lacks the “work ethic and creativity” that the Swede famously provides in the final third.
Under Igor Tudor, the side has struggled to transition from midfield to attack, often looking sterile and predictable. While fans and analysts point to the lack of investment in the squad, the simple fact is that losing a player of Kulusevski’s caliber would cripple almost any team in Europe.
His ability to hold the ball under pressure and pick out a defense-splitting pass is a unique trait that the current Spurs roster simply does not possess.
As the end of March approaches, the footballing world will watch closely to see if either Kulusevski or Isak can make a late dash for the squad list. For Graham Potter, these two players represent the difference between a successful World Cup qualification and a disappointing exit.
For Tottenham, Kulusevski’s return represents the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Whether he returns for the play-offs or is held back until the final weeks of the domestic season, one thing is certain: the recovery of Dejan Kulusevski is the most important storyline in Swedish and North London football right now.
