Tottenham Hotspur’s Dejan Kulusevski is confident of making it to the World Cup, should Sweden qualify for the tournament.
The attacking midfielder last made an appearance for Tottenham in their league defeat to Crystal Palace in May 2025.
He had to go under the knife for a knee injury and has been on the sidelines since then.
Initial expectation was for the Tottenham star to return to the pitch at the end of last year but that didn’t happen.
However, the former Juventus man failed to regain full fitness. Sport Witness have given a timeline on his recovery process and the delay in his return.
On October 1st, Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was then the national team manager, explained the Spurs attacker is in a “different phase of his rehabilitation.” Later that month, Sweden sacked him and appointed Potter as his successor.
On November 20th, the former Chelsea manager hinted Kulusevski could return “around New Year”.
A month later, Potter was convinced his player’s return for March’s international break, but the optimism disappeared in February. The coach admitted “it will be tough to come back in March.”
Three days ago, Sport Witness relayed news that his injury situation is a ‘mystery’ as he visited the national team camp earlier this week.
A video showed him limping while going to meet his teammates. On Thursday, the Spurs man said he underwent another surgery two weeks ago.
Tottenham player’s situation improving
Viaplay interviewed Tottenham Hotspur’s Dejan Kulusevski and Aftonbladet have relayed his comments. He has now provided an update on his injury situation, after the latest surgery.
“I understand that people were worried. But it was really for the wrong reason. It was really positive that I did this little procedure and that we were able to find the problem,” he said.
“Now everything should be good. It’s just a matter of slowly and surely coming back. I can see the light. It feels better now. I really have a positive feeling about these two important matches and a World Cup in two or three months. This is how the book and the chapter will end. I’m convinced of that.”
“I did everything I could to be ready to play for today. It didn’t work. Maybe for things you won’t even find out about. But at the end of the day, God decides. I’m very confident with where I am today.”
The attacker is confident of making it to the squad, should Sweden qualify for the World Cup. He also sent a message to the Premier League side and his Tottenham teammates.
“100%. Yes. That is the driving force I have. Having that opportunity is absolutely fantastic. It is a challenge that I have not been able to overcome so far in terms of getting healthy, but it is not over yet,” Kulusevski explained.
“I don’t want people to worry about me. I’ve never felt better in my life. I feel much stronger now. I hear people wondering if I’ll be the same player when I come back. No, I’ll be much stronger, much better, much smarter and better for my teammates.”
Sweden’s upcoming fixture and squad
After overcoming Ukraine, Sweden face Poland on March 31st
Graham Potter’s squad:
Goalkeepers: Kristoffer Nordfeldt, Melker Ellborg, Noel Tornqvist
Defenders: Victor Lindelof, Isak Hien, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Carl Starfelt, Daniel Svensson, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Herman Johansson
Midfielders: Mattias Svanberg, Jesper Karlstrom, Yasin Ayari, Hugo Larsson, Lucas Bergvall, Besfort Zeneli, Gustav Lundgren, Williot Swedberg, Eric Smith, Elliot Stroud
Forwards: Viktor Gyokeres, Anthony Elanga, Gustaf Nilsson, Benjamin Nygren, Roony Bardghji, Taha Ali