Tottenham star’s injury ‘worsse than’ first thought; major doubt for Chelsea
Tottenham’s injury crisis has taken another concerning turn as Dejan Kulusevski’s foot problem appears more serious than initially diagnosed, casting doubt over his availability for next week’s pivotal London derby against Chelsea.
The Swedish international, who has emerged as Spurs’ most consistent performer this season with 10 goals and 10 assists across all competitions, remains sidelined after missing the last five matches and Sweden’s international fixtures.
While manager Ange Postecoglou previously expressed optimism about Kulusevski returning after the international break, recent updates from injury expert Dr. Rajpal Brar and club insider Paul O Keefe paint a worrying picture.
O Keefe’s revelation that the injury is “worse than they first thought” comes despite the positive development of Kulusevski recently removing his protective boot.
The 24-year-old attacker’s continued absence from training leaves Spurs sweating over his participation in their upcoming triple-header against Chelsea (April 3), Southampton (April 6), and the Europa League quarterfinal first leg against Eintracht Frankfurt (April 11).
Kulusevski’s 2023/24 Impact & Absence Implications
| Metric | Statistic | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 10 | Joint 2nd at Spurs |
| Assists | 10 | Team leader |
| Minutes per G/A | 148 | Most efficient creator |
| Games Missed | 5 | Spurs won just 1 |
| Expected Return | April 11? | Frankfurt tie |
Kulusevski’s creative void has been painfully evident during his absence, with Tottenham struggling to maintain their attacking fluidity.
His unique ability to retain possession under pressure and deliver decisive final balls has proven irreplaceable, leaving Postecoglou with limited options to replicate his influence.
The potential absence of their talisman at Stamford Bridge would compound Tottenham’s difficulties against a resurgent Chelsea side, while also weakening their hand for the must-win Southampton fixture that follows.
Medical sources suggest the club is now targeting the Europa League clash against Frankfurt as a more realistic return date, prioritizing his recovery for the continental competition where Spurs remain strong contenders.
This cautious approach reflects both the severity of the setback and Kulusevski’s importance to Tottenham’s system – his 2.3 key passes per game and 86% dribble success rate make him the linchpin of Postecoglou’s attacking transitions.
For a squad already decimated by injuries this season, losing their most reliable performer for these season-defining matches represents a devastating blow.
Tottenham’s medical staff face a delicate balancing act – rushing Kulusevski back risks aggravating the injury, but prolonged absence could derail their European ambitions and top-six Premier League push.
As the treatment room slowly empties of other casualties, Spurs find their injury curse has simply shifted focus to their most indispensable attacker at the worst possible moment.