Dejan Kulusevski has been out of action for Tottenham since May due to a knee injury.
The Spurs winger even missed the Europa League final victory against Manchester United and underwent surgery days after the game.
Kulusevski was an integral player for Tottenham last season as he registered 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 games in all competitions.
Had he not been injured, Ange Postecoglou would likely have started him against United in May.
This article includes exclusive opinion from injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist.
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Dejan Kulusevski not expected back in individual training before mid-December
Thomas Frank recently stated that he’s unsure when Kulusevski will be returning from his injury.
Dr Rajpal Brar does not expect him to be back in individual training until mid-December and he believes it may take him weeks after he returns to action for him to be back to 100 per cent fitness.
Currently, his recovery will continue to work on strength, mobility and control, among other things.
Dr Brar told Tottenham News: “Kulusevski is still months away from returning, so his recovery right now will continue to work on strength, mobility, control and move towards more dynamic activities, especially running.
“Really hard to pinpoint when he’s back in individual training, but that will not be before mid-December.
“It may take him weeks after he returns to be back to 100 per cent fitness.”
Tottenham have to enter the market for a new attacker
Kulusevski’s knee injury will sideline the Tottenham attacker until at least January 2026, exacerbating an already dire creative crisis.
With James Maddison out for most of the 2025/26 season due to an ACL tear, Spurs lack depth in the No. 10 role, forcing reliance on makeshift options.
Failed pursuits of Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze have left the squad vulnerable, compelling the club to urgently sign a new attacker before the transfer window closes to maintain competitiveness in the Premier League and Champions League.