Kulusevski Finally Speaks Out About the Mysterious Injury That Kept Him Sidelined for Nearly a Year

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dejan Kulusevski has maintained a positive attitude throughout the international break, despite being out of action since last May with a "complicated" knee problem.

Few anticipated the Swedish star would be absent for such an extended period, including former Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, who initially downplayed Kulusevski's issue as merely a "knock."

The 25-year-old's clash with former Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi would not only cause him to miss the 2025 Europa League final, but the entire 2025–26 season to date as well. Projected return timelines have repeatedly come and gone, with Spurs' limited updates on Kulusevski's rehabilitation leaving fans without answers.

A firm return date remains unknown, but Kulusevski appears to believe the hardest part of his recovery is behind him.

'Never Felt Better'—Kulusevski Remains Optimistic

An already anxious fanbase was thrown into further worry at the start of the international break when footage surfaced of Kulusevski walking with a noticeable limp while joining his national team squad ahead of the UEFA World Cup playoff matches.

The Spurs star addressed concerns on Instagram shortly after, revealing he had undergone an "intervention" two weeks prior and confirmed his knee is "great now."

"I understand why people were concerned. But it was really for the wrong reason," he told Viaplay. "It was actually a positive thing that I had this minor procedure done and that we were able to identify the issue."

The exact nature of Kulusevski's patella problem remains uncertain, with some pessimistic observers drawing parallels to the devastating injury suffered by Brazilian legend Ronaldo in 2000, which significantly impacted his career.

Kulusevski's setback, while deeply frustrating, is not thought to be nearly as serious, and the 25-year-old — who has previously cited the late, legendary Kobe Bryant and his 'Mamba Mentality' as a key source of inspiration — continues to look ahead with confidence.

"Now everything should be sorted. It's just a case of gradually working my way back. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Things feel much better now," he added.

Will Kulusevski Play for Tottenham This Season?

Tottenham have badly felt the absence of both Kulusevski and James Maddison in their creative roles this season, with the latter having torn his ACL back in August.

There is optimism that the English midfielder could return at some stage in the run-in, giving Spurs a boost in their battle for Premier League survival, though Kulusevski has a different goal in his sights.

He is determined to feature at this summer's World Cup, and Sweden can secure their spot at the tournament with a victory over Poland next Tuesday. Viktor Gyökeres's hat-trick powered a 3–1 win over Ukraine in Thursday's semifinal.

When asked whether he envisions himself playing for his country in North America, Kulusevski responded with conviction: "100%. Yes. That's what's driving me. To have that opportunity is absolutely incredible. It's a challenge I haven't been able to overcome yet in terms of getting fit, but it's not over.

"I'm completely convinced we'll win both games, and I'll be ready to play and experience my first World Cup in the USA. That's how this story ends, God willing."