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The Long Road Back: Kulusevski's Year in Limbo
Dejan Kulusevski last graced a competitive pitch on May 11, 2025, an outing cut short by a nagging patella issue. This injury, which had plagued the 26-year-old Swede for some time, demanded urgent intervention, leading to multiple surgeries and a grueling rehabilitation.
His extended absence meant Kulusevski played not a single minute during the entire 2025-26 season. This period also cruelly snatched away his World Cup aspirations, as gambling on his fitness was simply not an option for the national team. Now, a positive pre-season is paramount for him to rejoin the Tottenham ranks.
Can Kulusevski Reclaim His Crown? Murphy Weighs In
After such a prolonged layoff, the inevitable question echoes: can the former Juventus star, once a dynamic presence in north London, ever return to his peak? Danny Murphy, a respected voice and former Spurs midfielder, shared his insights.
Echoes of Greats: Torres vs. Van Nistelrooy
Murphy believes there's no “generic rule” for long-term injury returns. He highlighted examples like Fernando Torres, who struggled after a significant knee injury at Liverpool before his move to Chelsea, and Rodri, who hasn't quite hit previous heights. However, he also recalled triumphs like Ruud van Nistelrooy's incredible form for Manchester United after a knee injury and Alan Shearer's prolific comeback.
“It depends on the individual and what the injury was,” Murphy explained. He stressed Kulusevski's profound influence on Tottenham's play before his injury, suggesting that his return could feel “like signing a new player.” Given his contract and standing, Murphy expects Kulusevski will be given every opportunity to rediscover his best form.
Maddison's Moment: Leading the Spurs Revival
While **Kulusevski**'s return is highly anticipated, Tottenham also navigated recent seasons, including two challenging 17th-placed finishes, with a host of injury woes. Manager Roberto De Zerbi guided the team through these difficult periods, and optimism now builds with several key players, including **Kulusevski**, **James Maddison**, **Xavi Simons**, and **Mohammed Kudus**, nearing full fitness.
The Creative Maestro Spurs Desperately Needs
Much attention now turns to James Maddison, who himself endured a year-long spell in the physio room, making three crucial cameo appearances towards the end of last season. Murphy emphatically believes **Maddison** needs to be the primary creative spark for **Spurs**.
“The one thing with Maddison is that he’ll always make things happen,” Murphy stated, praising his ability to create “magic moments.” He considers **Maddison** more influential than **Kulusevski** due to his bravery and composure under pressure, especially when the crowd grows anxious. “He’s the one who’s brave enough…to manipulate the ball and play those killer passes,” Murphy added, foreseeing a “huge season” for the 29-year-old midfielder.
A Fresh Start: Tottenham's 2026-27 Kick-Off
With both **Kulusevski** and **Maddison** poised for full returns, **Tottenham** aims to hit the ground running in the 2026-27 **Premier League** season. The newly released fixture list sees Roberto De Zerbi’s side commencing their campaign away at **Brentford** on August 22. The stage is set for a fresh start, with renewed hope stemming from the return of their injured stars.
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