Dejan Kulusevski may be on the sidelines through injury at present but that has not stopped him reporting to the Sweden camp for September's international fixtures. In the first international break of the 2025/26 campaign, Sweden face Slovenia and Kosovo in World Cup qualifiers as they bid to make next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Tottenham man is in not in a position where he can play right now after undergoing surgery on his knee in May after sustaining the issue in their match against Crystal Palace. Kulusevski is set to return towards the end of 2025 and potentially not until December, barring a quicker than expected recovery.
At a time when many players in his position would stay with their club during the international break and carry on putting in the hours behind the scenes, Kulusevski, who has captained his country over the past year, has instead linked up with his national team as he wants to be part of the group.
“Dejan Kulusevski will be part of the group. He will not be able to play but he will be there anyway," said head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson (via Fotboll Skanalen).
“That says something about his character. He will do everything to make sure we get to the World Cup. He wants to help the team. He will be with the team throughout the training camp.”
Kulusevski's decision amid his injury highlights his character and his leadership skills, which have been clear to see during his time at Tottenham. A leadership role is certainly something he should be considered for in Thomas Frank's team as Spurs plot for a brighter future.
The player's decision has also gone down extremely well with his teammates. "This shows that he is an incredible leader,” said Ken Sema (via Fotboll Skanalen).
“It means a lot. He comes in with energy, is very playful and gives us a lot of positive things. Then he is a close friend of mine. So, it means a lot to us.
“He shows that he is a leader who wants to be here and help the team, and we all see how much he is passionate about this national team. We need as much help as we can get. It is only positive.”
Hjalmar Ekdal added: “It’s big, actually. That says a lot about his character. He is here as a leader but of course as one of the players.
“It means a lot. It means he has a lot of commitment and that he is passionate about this. A good captain’s job.”