Dejan Kulusevski has been out of action since May when he damaged his right patella (knee) in Tottenham's 2-0 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace
Sweden boss Graham Potter expects Tottenham attacking midfielder Dejan Kulusevski to finally make his long-awaited return to action in December.
The former Juventus playmaker has been sidelined since May when he injured his right patella against Crystal Palace, ruling him out of the Europa League final against Manchester United.
Kulusevski underwent surgery in mid-May and has been slated to return in the first few months of the current season but he remains absent and is yet to play a match under Thomas Frank.
However, there is now light at the end of the tunnel as Sweden boss Potter has issued an update on the 25-year-old's fitness.
He said following a 1-1 draw against Slovenia: “Dejan is taking steps forward. He was happy with where he is in his rehabilitation.
"It’s in Tottenham’s hands, and his. But he was feeling good when I last spoke to him and I look forward to seeing him maybe at Christmas or around New Year.
“There is a lot of football to be played until then. Nobody knows for sure what it will look like in March. That is the reality.
“But he is in a good place, and he was happy with his rehabilitation last time we spoke. Then he was ready to take the next step [in rehabilitation]. But there is no stress involved. He will do his rehab in a good way and if he does that, I am pretty sure we will see him on the pitch soon.”
During the international break, Destiny Udogie posted footage of Kulusevski back training on the grass at a warm-weather camp in the Middle East.
Spurs remain reluctant to rush his return though as they do not want to encounter any setbacks.
Speaking in September, Frank claimed he was hoping to have Kulusevski back before the end of the year, stating: "Instead of putting an exact month on it - October, November, December - I just want him back as quickly as possible.
"The medical guys and Kulusevski are working really hard on that. So, it's not tomorrow, but hopefully not too far away."
He added when asked if 'Deki' could be back before the start of 2026: "Yes, there's a good chance of that."
Sweden boss Potter should have Kulusevski available for March's crunch World Cup play-off against Ukraine.
The Scandinavian nation struggled without the Tottenham forward, finishing bottom of their World Cup qualification group.
Thankfully, they have earned a shot at qualification via the play-offs after topping their Nations League group.
Even if they beat Ukraine, they would still have to overcome Poland or Albania in the play-off final.