Dejan Kulusevski's Grueling 513-Day Recovery From Career-Threatening Knee Injury Nears End
The Tottenham winger is on the cusp of returning to play after a lengthy battle with a severe knee injury that threatened to end his career.
Dejan Kulusevski is nearing a return to competitive football after a grueling 513-day recovery from a catastrophic knee injury that he feared would end his career. The Tottenham Hotspur winger's journey back from what was initially a minor knock has been a prolonged and arduous one, marked by surgery and a long rehabilitation process.
A 'Knock' Becomes a Catastrophe
The injury occurred in May 2025 during a match against Crystal Palace. What appeared to be a minor incident evolved into a severe knee problem that ultimately required surgery. Kulusevski was forced to sit out the entirety of the following season, missing crucial matches and significant international tournaments, including the World Cup. Initial forecasts suggested a return by December of that year, but persistent pain delayed his progress, pushing his comeback further into the future. He has not played a competitive match since that day against Crystal Palace.
A Long Road to Recovery
Kulusevski underwent surgery and was seen attending the 2025 Europa League final on crutches, his right leg encased in a heavy-duty brace. The 17 months out of the game have been described as his 'hell,' a period of intense physical and mental struggle. Despite the setbacks, he has maintained a determined outlook, drawing inspiration from athletes like Zlatan Ibrahimović and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose intense personal drive and refusal to be written off he has observed throughout his career.
The winger's resilience and dedication to his recovery have been central to his potential return. He is now understood to be nearing full fitness, with the prospect of rejoining the Tottenham squad becoming increasingly likely. His impending return comes at a critical time for the club, which has struggled in his absence.
Inspiration and Determination
Kulusevski's journey has been characterized by a quiet determination, a trait he has witnessed in close proximity to elite athletes. His association with figures like Ibrahimović during his time with the Swedish national team and Ronaldo during his spell at Juventus has provided him with valuable insights into the mindset required to overcome significant adversity. The belief that he would not play again was a shadow that loomed large, but his Herculean recovery efforts have challenged that prognosis.
As the Premier League season resumes, Tottenham faces a challenging period, and Kulusevski's return, even gradually, could provide a much-needed boost. Caution remains a key aspect of his reintegration into the team, but the prospect of him stepping back onto the field after such a prolonged absence marks a significant personal victory and a potential turning point for his club.