Sweden boss Graham Potter has now shared an update on injured Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski and his current condition, hinting at a potential return date.
Tottenham without Dejan Kulusevski since May through knee injury
Kulusevski's knee injury has evolved into one of Tottenham's most frustrating injury sagas, with the Sweden international sidelined since May's 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace.
The 25-year-old was forced off after just 19 minutes at Selhurst Park with discomfort in his right patella, initially appearing a relatively minor issue.
However, medical examinations then revealed damage serious enough to require surgery, with Kulusevski undergoing the procedure on May 14th — ruling him out of Tottenham's Europa League final triumph over Man United.
Former Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou expressed disappointment when confirming the setback, explaining that medical staff were initially relieved the structural integrity of the knee seemed intact.
The Australian expected Kulusevski to miss 'at least a few months' but provided no definitive return timeline, acknowledging uncertainty about whether the Swede would even be ready for the 25/26 season opener in August.
Seven months later, Kulusevski remains unavailable and has failed to make a single appearance under Thomas Frank.
His prolonged absence has seriously impacted Tottenham's creativity, particularly given James Maddison's ACL injury that will keep the playmaker out for most of this campaign.
Spurs have been forced to rely on makeshift solutions in the number ten position, with summer signing Xavi Simons being their only natural alternative in that role.
Footage emerged of Kulusevski training with Spurs coaches in Dubai during a warm-weather rehabilitation camp, encouraging supporters who have grown impatient with his prolonged absence.
However, Frank's most recent update provided little comfort, simply stating he would only share news when Kulusevski is "when they are ready to really be close to being involved in the squad".
Potter shares Kulusevski injury 'truth' with Tottenham timeline given
Now, speaking on Fotbollskanalen podcast, as translated by Sport Witness, Potter has now hinted at a possible timeline for the £110,000-per-week forward.
The Sweden boss is confident that Kulusevski could be ready for their World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine in March, claiming that the former Juventus star has a 'really complicated' injury.
"I met Dejan last week, as I’m aware he’s fighting back from his injury. I had a good conversation with him," Potter explained.
“He really has had a complicated injury. That’s the truth. He’s on his way back and he’s in a good place, but when you’re close you can have setbacks and you can have frustrating days when things don’t go the way you want because it’s a long process. He’s in good spirits and in a good place, and desperate to come back and help.”
When asked if Kulusevski will be ready for the Ukraine clash, Potter said he is 'convinced'.
"I’m convinced of that (that Kulusevski will be in March)," the coach added.
"That’s my feeling based on having spoken to him and understanding where he is. I think that’s the last part of the rehabilitation that he needs to go through.
“My experience when someone has been out for a long time is that it can be a bit up and down and frustrating, but he’s in a good place. I think the problem with football – and looking ahead to March – is that nobody knows for sure where he’s going to be. If you can predict that, you’re a genius. It’s about being patient with him and supporting him. I’m confident he’ll be there.”
Few could've envisaged that Kulusevski would be absent for this long, and Frank will be desperate to call upon him at the earliest opportunity.
The ex-Serie A star bagged 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances last term, marking himself out as one of Spurs' chief creators, and they're a much better side when he's available for selection.
Losing both him and Maddison has undoubtedly had a major effect on Tottenham, but it shouldn't be too long before he takes to the pitch again.