Swedish boss Graham Potter has now provided an injury update on Tottenham midfielder Dejan Kulusevski, who has been out for over six months.
A once minor injury picked up by Tottenham Hotspur’s Dejan Kulusevski back in May has now kept the Swede sidelined for well over seven months.
Kulusevski did not damage his ACL but instead suffered a Patella injury that required surgery, and despite early hopes of a smoother route back, his return does not appear imminent at this stage.
James Maddison, who actually tore his ACL, has already been spotted on the grass at Hotspur Way, while Kulusevski has not yet been seen.
Spurs have had to cope without him, with Xavi Simons brought in to offer creativity in the number ten role while both the Swede and Maddison continue their push back to full fitness.
Dejan Kulusevski injury latest as Graham Potter speaks on Tottenham star
Graham Potter, who took over the Swedish national team in October, appeared on a Fotbollskanalen podcast and was asked about Kulusevski’s condition and whether he might be available for the upcoming international matches.
Potter explained how challenging the midfielder’s recovery has been, noting that the injury has not followed a straightforward pattern.
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He said, “I met Dejan last week, as I am aware he is fighting back from his injury. I had a good conversation with him.
“He really has had a complicated injury. That is the truth. He is on his way back and he is in a good place, but when you are close you can have setbacks and you can have frustrating days when things do not go the way you want because it is a long process. He is in good spirits and in a good place, and desperate to come back and help.”
Potter gives March return date update on Kulusevski
Potter was pressed further on whether the Tottenham midfielder will be ready for March, as Sweden look to book their place in the World Cup finals through the play-off qualifying rounds.
The Sweden boss made sure to highlight Kulusevski’s determination before giving a realistic assessment.
Potter said: “He is desperate to be included. I am convinced of that (that Kulusevski will be in March). That is my feeling based on having spoken to him and understanding where he is. I think that is 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 is in a good place. I think the problem with football – and looking ahead to March – is that nobody knows for sure where he is going to be.
“If you can predict that, you are a genius. It is about being patient with him and supporting him. I am confident he will be there.”