Former England international Chris Waddle has called for restraint among Tottenham supporters as Dejan Kulusevski edges closer to returning from a lengthy injury absence, warning that the Swedish attacker should not be rushed back into regular first-team action.
Kulusevski has not featured since May 2025 after suffering a complex kneecap injury that required two separate surgical procedures. His recovery has been handled with particular caution by Tottenham's medical staff, now overseen by performance director Dan Lewindon, following a difficult injury-hit campaign last season that saw the club fight to preserve their Premier League status.
The 25-year-old experienced a setback last month that forced his withdrawal from first-team training, though he has since resumed his rehabilitation programme. While speculation is mounting over an imminent return to matchday squads, Waddle believes expectations should be tempered given the length of his layoff.
"For Dejan Kulusevski, it's going to be a sub appearance, maybe come on for 20 minutes, or start and play for an hour if he can manage an hour. Mentally as well, you know, it has been a long, long time," Waddle told Standard Sport, speaking via talkSPORT BET sports betting.
The former Tottenham winger stressed that psychological readiness could prove just as significant as physical conditioning after such an extended spell on the sidelines. "Sometimes it's mind over matter, and it'll take a while to hit the ground running. Listen, it's great getting players back, but because he's been out for such a long time, don't expect anything too early," he said.
Waddle suggested that a gradual reintroduction, potentially including appearances for Tottenham's Under-21 side in the reserve league, could help Kulusevski regain sharpness without undue pressure. "Let him grow back into it and give him game time when needed, even playing for the Under-21s in the reserve league, just to get minutes under his belt, get a bit of rhythm, and, as I said earlier, confidence. That's the key. If you can get his confidence back, then he'll be a welcome addition to Spurs," he added.
Kulusevski's absence has compounded Tottenham's creative shortfall this season, a problem exacerbated by James Maddison's own fitness struggles. Maddison had targeted pre-season as an opportunity to build match sharpness following his own recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained last season. However, disrupted preparations left head coach Roberto De Zerbi acknowledging his squad was physically underprepared ahead of the Premier League opener against Brentford. Maddison's misfortune continued when he suffered a shoulder fracture during that very match, only recently making his way back into contention.
Waddle believes Maddison's qualities remain central to unlocking Tottenham's attacking potential, provided he can stay fit. "James Maddison knows the club, knows the fans, knows how the club works, and he knows De Zerbi plays on the front foot. I think Maddison's the type of player they need. He's a number 10, there's no doubt about that," he said.
However, the former midfielder acknowledged uncertainty over whether Maddison could deliver consistently given his injury history. "Whether James Maddison is the player to do that consistently, I'm not sure. Unfortunately, the lad's been dogged with injuries for the last 18 months. So you feel for him on that, because he's that sort of player Tottenham need at the minute to create things and get on the ball and feed the wingers, giving that bit of difference, bit of quality which they've been lacking on the creative side," Waddle concluded.
Based on reporting from standard-football.