Dejan Kulusevski was out of action for nearly 500 days for Tottenham
Sweden head coach Graham Potter has provided a positive injury update regarding Tottenham Hotspur star Dejan Kulusevski. Earlier this month, the winger returned to full training after a complicated knee problem kept him out for 477 days.
North London medical staff opted to remain cautious integrating the Swede back into first-team training and not pushing him with a strict timeline. Roberto De Zerbi named him in his squad for the trip to Nottingham Forest.
The Italian conceded that a 'small problem' forced him to sit out of preparations. However, Kulusevski is closing in on a Spurs return in an almighty boost for the frontline.
And Potter's comments show how increasingly close the 26-year-old is to making a much-awaited competitive return.
He said via: “He is actually very close. I am so impressed with him, how he has handled his injury.
“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.
“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 with us."
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The international break returns this month and Potter will lead Sweden into their four UEFA Nations League matches in September and October.
The former Brighton, Chelsea and West Ham boss isn’t ruling out Kulusevski's inclusion for these fixtures but communication will be needed between all parties.
Kulusevski's last appearance for Tottenham came in a defeat to Crystal Palace in May before undergoing knee surgery later that month forcing him to miss the historic Europa League win over Manchester United.
Speaking about the returning international, De Zerbi said: "Kulusevski started with us in the beginning of the week, and then the last two days, a small, small problem, stopped, but I think he’s in a good way. It’s going very well.
"I already said the medical staff is very high level. So I think we can be positive with him. I’m looking forward to having Deki in the squad."