The long, agonizing wait is finally nearing its end for Tottenham Hotspur faithful as star winger Dejan Kulusevski stands on the brink of an epic return to competitive action after a staggering 16-month injury absence.
Key Points:
- Dejan Kulusevski is set to end a 16-month injury nightmare for Tottenham Hotspur.
- Sweden manager Graham Potter is pushing for his inclusion in the upcoming international break.
- The Spurs star missed an entire season and a summer World Cup due to a severe knee issue.
- He could feature in four crucial Nations League matches between September 21 and October 6.
The Long Road Back: Kulusevski's Epic 16-Month Ordeal
It's been an arduous journey for Dejan Kulusevski, who hasn't graced a football pitch competitively since May [two seasons ago], sidelined by a severe right patella problem. This prolonged absence saw him miss an entire Tottenham campaign and a summer's international showpiece.
Initial hopes for a swift recovery following surgery were dashed by recurring setbacks. A second operation in March further extended his time away, causing immense frustration for both the player and Spurs supporters.
Sweden's Urgent Call: Potter's Ambitious Plans
Despite only recently returning to first-team training with Tottenham in early September, Kulusevski is already a top priority for Sweden national team manager Graham Potter. While Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi is not yet considering him for club matchday squads, Potter is remarkably optimistic.
"He's very close. I'm so impressed with him, how he's handled his injury," Potter told SVT. "Of course, we have to be careful with him. I hope he comes with us, but we have to talk to Dejan and Tottenham first."
The Sweden coach is eager to secure an agreement with Tottenham's medical staff. He hopes to include Kulusevski in the squad for the vital international break, highlighting the attacker's importance to the national side.
Irreplaceable Talent: Why Kulusevski Matters for Sweden
The potential return of Kulusevski represents a colossal boost for Sweden, especially with an extended international window on the horizon. Potter views the Tottenham forward as a truly irreplaceable asset within his tactical framework.
Emphasising his impact, Potter declared: "The importance of getting Dejan Kulusevski into the national team cannot be emphasised enough. He is incredibly important to the team. We love him, his character and qualities. He is a world-class player and it helps enormously to have him around."
The Nations League Gauntlet: Comeback Fixtures Revealed
Sweden faces a demanding schedule during the upcoming international window, which spans from September 21 to October 6. They are set to play four crucial Nations League fixtures, offering Kulusevski potential minutes.
The campaign kicks off at home against Romania, followed by another home clash three days later with Poland. The team then embarks on challenging away trips to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania to conclude the window. Potter is hopeful Kulusevski can play some part across these vital encounters.
Spurs' Perspective: A Cautious Reintegration Ahead
Back in North London, Roberto De Zerbi and the Tottenham medical team will be closely monitoring Kulusevski's progress. While his national team return is exciting, Spurs will prioritize a careful and structured reintegration plan once his fitness is fully proven. The club needs their star winger firing on all cylinders, not rushed back.
