Tottenham Hotspur supporters may finally have reason for optimism regarding Dejan Kulusevski's recovery, with head coach Roberto De Zerbi confirming the forward has taken another step forward in his long road back from injury, though a first-team return remains just out of reach for now.
Kulusevski has endured an agonizing spell on the sidelines, missing more than 500 days due to a stubborn patella problem that required two separate surgical procedures. The setback has robbed Spurs of one of their most creative attacking players at a time when the team has badly needed that spark, having managed only two goals in the Premier League so far this season.
There was encouraging news over the international break, however, as the Swedish international took part in an 11-a-side internal match, a clear sign that his rehabilitation is progressing in the right direction. De Zerbi, speaking ahead of Tottenham's upcoming trip to Old Trafford, praised not only the player's physical progress but also his mentality throughout the ordeal.
"He's working well," De Zerbi said. "Tomorrow he comes with us for football, he's an example for everyone because he's a player, but an example of how he reacts to the injury, the character."
Despite the positive signs, the Italian coach and his medical staff are determined not to rush Kulusevski's reintegration. Spurs have adopted a deliberately cautious approach with several players returning from extended injury layoffs this season, wary of any setback that could further delay a full recovery. That caution appeared justified recently when Kulusevski had to be withdrawn from a first-team training session after suffering a minor issue, a reminder of how delicate the situation remains.
While the 26-year-old will travel with the squad to Manchester for the clash with United, De Zerbi has made clear that it would be a surprise if Kulusevski were included in the matchday squad itself. The expectation within the club is that his first appearance in a competitive fixture since May 2025 is still some way off, even if the gap is narrowing.
For a Tottenham side short on attacking inspiration, the prospect of Kulusevski's eventual return carries significant weight. His ability to combine technical quality with incisive passing has been sorely missed, and his reintroduction, whenever it comes, is likely to be treated as a major boost both for the squad and the supporters who have waited patiently through his prolonged absence.
The club's handling of his recovery reflects a broader philosophy under De Zerbi, who has shown a willingness to prioritize long-term player fitness over short-term squad needs, even as Tottenham search for attacking solutions in a difficult start to the campaign. Whether that patience pays off in the coming weeks remains to be seen, but for now, the mood around Kulusevski's situation appears cautiously hopeful rather than urgent.
Spurs will be eager to have their Swedish playmaker back in contention as soon as it is safe to do so, but as De Zerbi's comments suggest, the club is determined to avoid any temptation to accelerate his return prematurely, mindful of the two surgeries and extensive rehabilitation process that have already defined Kulusevski's frustrating battle with injury.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.