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Despite failing to win a single one of their matches during their European qualifiers campaign, Sweden defied the odds to secure their place in the upcoming World Cup, defeating Poland 3-2 in a dramatic play-off encounter. While the national team celebrated, Kulusevski watched from the sidelines, having not played a single minute of football for almost a year. The Spurs man has been recovering from patella surgery and recently underwent a minor follow-up procedure to clean up his knee.

The road to recovery has been arduous, and the forward was visibly emotional as his teammates booked their spot in Group F alongside Tunisia, Netherlands and Japan. While Liverpool's Alexander Isak is expected to return in time for the tournament, Kulusevski's participation remains shrouded in doubt given the length of his absence.

Speaking to Viaplay, the Swedish international did not shy away from the reality of his situation. "I haven't played in a year. I know what the chances are," Kulusevski admitted. "But if there is one person on the planet who can do this, I would bet on myself. And we are not just going there to participate. Sweden will aim to be one of the best."

His ambition extends far beyond merely making the squad list. The former Juventus man is determined to ensure Sweden are respected on the global stage. "As long as I live, I will do everything I can so that Sweden, when we go out and play, will not be afraid of anyone. Brazil, France, whoever they are. That's why I'm on this planet. To give faith and love to my people," he said.

The 25-year-old recently clarified his medical status following reports of a second operation. He explained that the latest intervention was a positive step toward long-term health rather than a sign of a failing recovery. He remains optimistic that the underlying issues have finally been resolved.

"I understand that people were worried, but it was actually for the wrong reason," Kulusevski said. "It was really positive to undergo this small operation and be able to identify the problem. Now everything should be sorted out. Maybe because of things that won't be known because, at the end of the day, it's only God who decides and no one else."

As he watched his side punch their ticket for their second World Cup of the last 16 years, he was clearly holding back the tears. While Kulusevski focuses on his rehabilitation, the Swedish squad are preparing for a difficult opening fixture against Tunisia on June 15. In his absence, players like Anthony Elanga and Viktor Lindelof have carried the burden of expectation, but there is no doubt that a fit Kulusevski would transform the side's attacking prospects as they head to the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The stakes couldn't be higher for the new man in the dugout. Tottenham confirmed De Zerbi's appointment on a five-year deal to stave off relegation, with the club sitting a precarious one point above the Premier League drop zone. Upon his arrival, De Zerbi expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge despite the team's grim position. He stated: “I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world. In all my discussions with the Club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters."

However, delivering on that lofty ambition is already proving difficult. Instead of focusing on a tactical overhaul, the Italian's immediate attention has been forcefully shifted to patching up a severely depleted roster.

The reality of that crowded treatment table became glaringly obvious this week. Midfielder Pape Sarr has become the latest casualty, with the Senegal international reportedly suffering a shoulder injury while away on national team duty. Sarr was unable to feature in Senegal's recent friendly against Gambia, leaving De Zerbi with one less reliable engine in a midfield already stretched to its breaking point.

The timing could not be worse for the former Brighton boss, who has inherited a squad plagued by long-term absences. De Zerbi arrived at the training ground to find that stars such as Guglielmo Vicario, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski are either sidelined or currently unavailable. With further injuries to Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, the Italian coach is facing a selection nightmare as he prepares for his crucial trip to Sunderland on April 12.

While the injury news is a tactical blow, De Zerbi is also battling to win over a fractured fanbase. The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust has already cited "serious and far-reaching concerns" regarding the appointment, primarily due to his past defense of Mason Greenwood during their time together in France. Greenwood was charged in 2022 with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The charges were dropped in January 2023. Fan groups including Proud Lilywhites and Spurs Reach have expressed discomfort with the hire, creating an atmosphere of friction before a ball has even been kicked.

De Zerbi has no time to ease into the role, with Spurs having failed to register a single league win so far in 2026. The upcoming fixture against Sunderland serves as a high-stakes debut, and the lack of a relegation release clause in his long-term contract suggests the board is betting the house on his ability to navigate this crisis. However, without Sarr and several other stars, that task has become significantly harder.

The stakes couldn't be higher for the new man in the dugout. Tottenham confirmed De Zerbi's appointment on a five-year deal to stave off relegation, with the club sitting a precarious one point above the Premier League drop zone. Upon his arrival, De Zerbi expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge despite the team's grim position. He stated: “I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world. In all my discussions with the Club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters."

However, delivering on that lofty ambition is already proving difficult. Instead of focusing on a tactical overhaul, the Italian's immediate attention has been forcefully shifted to patching up a severely depleted roster.

The reality of that crowded treatment table became glaringly obvious this week. Midfielder Pape Sarr has become the latest casualty, with the Senegal international reportedly suffering a shoulder injury while away on national team duty. Sarr was unable to feature in Senegal's recent friendly against Gambia, leaving De Zerbi with one less reliable engine in a midfield already stretched to its breaking point.

The timing could not be worse for the former Brighton boss, who has inherited a squad plagued by long-term absences. De Zerbi arrived at the training ground to find that stars such as Guglielmo Vicario, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski are either sidelined or currently unavailable. With further injuries to Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, the Italian coach is facing a selection nightmare as he prepares for his crucial trip to Sunderland on April 12.

While the injury news is a tactical blow, De Zerbi is also battling to win over a fractured fanbase. The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust has already cited "serious and far-reaching concerns" regarding the appointment, primarily due to his past defense of Mason Greenwood during their time together in France. Greenwood was charged in 2022 with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The charges were dropped in January 2023. Fan groups including Proud Lilywhites and Spurs Reach have expressed discomfort with the hire, creating an atmosphere of friction before a ball has even been kicked.

De Zerbi has no time to ease into the role, with Spurs having failed to register a single league win so far in 2026. The upcoming fixture against Sunderland serves as a high-stakes debut, and the lack of a relegation release clause in his long-term contract suggests the board is betting the house on his ability to navigate this crisis. However, without Sarr and several other stars, that task has become significantly harder.

The stakes couldn't be higher for the new man in the dugout. Tottenham confirmed De Zerbi's appointment on a five-year deal to stave off relegation, with the club sitting a precarious one point above the Premier League drop zone. Upon his arrival, De Zerbi expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge despite the team's grim position. He stated: “I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world. In all my discussions with the Club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters."

However, delivering on that lofty ambition is already proving difficult. Instead of focusing on a tactical overhaul, the Italian's immediate attention has been forcefully shifted to patching up a severely depleted roster.

The reality of that crowded treatment table became glaringly obvious this week. Midfielder Pape Sarr has become the latest casualty, with the Senegal international reportedly suffering a shoulder injury while away on national team duty. Sarr was unable to feature in Senegal's recent friendly against Gambia, leaving De Zerbi with one less reliable engine in a midfield already stretched to its breaking point.

The timing could not be worse for the former Brighton boss, who has inherited a squad plagued by long-term absences. De Zerbi arrived at the training ground to find that stars such as Guglielmo Vicario, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski are either sidelined or currently unavailable. With further injuries to Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, the Italian coach is facing a selection nightmare as he prepares for his crucial trip to Sunderland on April 12.

While the injury news is a tactical blow, De Zerbi is also battling to win over a fractured fanbase. The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust has already cited "serious and far-reaching concerns" regarding the appointment, primarily due to his past defense of Mason Greenwood during their time together in France. Greenwood was charged in 2022 with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The charges were dropped in January 2023. Fan groups including Proud Lilywhites and Spurs Reach have expressed discomfort with the hire, creating an atmosphere of friction before a ball has even been kicked.

De Zerbi has no time to ease into the role, with Spurs having failed to register a single league win so far in 2026. The upcoming fixture against Sunderland serves as a high-stakes debut, and the lack of a relegation release clause in his long-term contract suggests the board is betting the house on his ability to navigate this crisis. However, without Sarr and several other stars, that task has become significantly harder.

The stakes couldn't be higher for the new man in the dugout. Tottenham confirmed De Zerbi's appointment on a five-year deal to stave off relegation, with the club sitting a precarious one point above the Premier League drop zone. Upon his arrival, De Zerbi expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge despite the team's grim position. He stated: “I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world. In all my discussions with the Club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters."

However, delivering on that lofty ambition is already proving difficult. Instead of focusing on a tactical overhaul, the Italian's immediate attention has been forcefully shifted to patching up a severely depleted roster.

The reality of that crowded treatment table became glaringly obvious this week. Midfielder Pape Sarr has become the latest casualty, with the Senegal international reportedly suffering a shoulder injury while away on national team duty. Sarr was unable to feature in Senegal's recent friendly against Gambia, leaving De Zerbi with one less reliable engine in a midfield already stretched to its breaking point.

The timing could not be worse for the former Brighton boss, who has inherited a squad plagued by long-term absences. De Zerbi arrived at the training ground to find that stars such as Guglielmo Vicario, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski are either sidelined or currently unavailable. With further injuries to Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, the Italian coach is facing a selection nightmare as he prepares for his crucial trip to Sunderland on April 12.

While the injury news is a tactical blow, De Zerbi is also battling to win over a fractured fanbase. The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust has already cited "serious and far-reaching concerns" regarding the appointment, primarily due to his past defense of Mason Greenwood during their time together in France. Greenwood was charged in 2022 with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The charges were dropped in January 2023. Fan groups including Proud Lilywhites and Spurs Reach have expressed discomfort with the hire, creating an atmosphere of friction before a ball has even been kicked.

De Zerbi has no time to ease into the role, with Spurs having failed to register a single league win so far in 2026. The upcoming fixture against Sunderland serves as a high-stakes debut, and the lack of a relegation release clause in his long-term contract suggests the board is betting the house on his ability to navigate this crisis. However, without Sarr and several other stars, that task has become significantly harder.

The Supporters' Trust released an extensive statement outlining their opposition to the Italian's hiring, noting the conflict between his past remarks and the club's supposed identity. They stated: "While we recognise the limited pool of managers with recent Premier League experience, and the need to act with urgency as Spurs face the prospect of relegation, this appointment raises serious and far-reaching concerns, and many fans have been in touch with us to urge us to communicate the strength of feeling. De Zerbi’s comments about Mason Greenwood were unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive to a significant number of supporters and, without doubt, will have left victims of male violence alarmed."

The controversy stems from De Zerbi’s time at Marseille, where he defended Greenwood as a "good person" despite the player's previous legal history. Greenwood was charged in 2022 with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case in February 2023 after the withdrawal of key witnesses. Greenwood had denied the charges.

Highlighting the impact of De Zerbi's arrival on club culture, the Trust added: "We believe these statements, left unchecked, will create a divide among supporters at a time when we all need to be pulling together to back the team. Fans are rallying behind the ‘All Together, Always’ initiative, and this appointment places heavy strain on that unity. If those remarks reflect his genuine views, they cast a troubling shadow over the values of the club we love.

"With this appointment, communications from the club and from Mr De Zerbi must clearly and unequivocally reaffirm these values. Furthermore, those words must be backed by meaningful action, including visible and sustained support for women’s charities and organisations working to combat violence against women."

The Supporters' Trust released an extensive statement outlining their opposition to the Italian's hiring, noting the conflict between his past remarks and the club's supposed identity. They stated: "While we recognise the limited pool of managers with recent Premier League experience, and the need to act with urgency as Spurs face the prospect of relegation, this appointment raises serious and far-reaching concerns, and many fans have been in touch with us to urge us to communicate the strength of feeling. De Zerbi’s comments about Mason Greenwood were unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive to a significant number of supporters and, without doubt, will have left victims of male violence alarmed."

The controversy stems from De Zerbi’s time at Marseille, where he defended Greenwood as a "good person" despite the player's previous legal history. Greenwood was charged in 2022 with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case in February 2023 after the withdrawal of key witnesses. Greenwood had denied the charges.

Highlighting the impact of De Zerbi's arrival on club culture, the Trust added: "We believe these statements, left unchecked, will create a divide among supporters at a time when we all need to be pulling together to back the team. Fans are rallying behind the ‘All Together, Always’ initiative, and this appointment places heavy strain on that unity. If those remarks reflect his genuine views, they cast a troubling shadow over the values of the club we love.

"With this appointment, communications from the club and from Mr De Zerbi must clearly and unequivocally reaffirm these values. Furthermore, those words must be backed by meaningful action, including visible and sustained support for women’s charities and organisations working to combat violence against women."

According to Sport Witness, Vicario has reached an agreement to facilitate his departure from Tottenham during the upcoming summer transfer window.

The goalkeeper, who joined Spurs from Empoli in 2023, has quickly established himself as a top-tier Premier League presence, but the club’s recent struggles appear to have accelerated his desire for a fresh start.

The details of the agreement suggest that the 27-year-old is looking for a project that offers more stability and the regular prospect of Champions League football. While Tottenham’s hierarchy would ideally like to keep hold of their number one, the reality of their current league position and internal concerns has forced their hand in allowing the player to explore his options elsewhere.

The timing of these reports coincides with a difficult run of form for Spurs, who have found themselves caught in an unexpectedly low position in the Premier League table. With the threat of a genuine relegation battle or at least a bottom-half finish looming, key figures in the dressing room have begun to consider their long-term futures away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Vicario has often been the man keeping the scorelines respectable this season, producing a string of highlight-reel saves even as the defense in front of him crumbled. His individual performances have not gone unnoticed by Europe's elite, making a summer move almost inevitable if the club fails to match his ambitions regarding silverware and European competition.

As the summer window approaches, several high-profile clubs in Serie A and potentially the Bundesliga are thought to be monitoring Vicario's situation closely.

A return to Italy has been frequently mooted, with top clubs looking for a reliable and modern goalkeeper to lead their domestic and European campaigns next year. His status as a rising star for the Azzurri only increases his market value and desirability.

For Tottenham, the focus must now shift to securing the best possible transfer fee to reinvest in the squad. Despite the disappointment of losing such a talented individual, the agreement ensures that both parties can move forward without the saga dragging on into the pre-season. Supporters will now be looking to the board for reassurance that a plan is in place to rebuild after what has been a season to forget.

Tottenham have confirmed that the former Marseille and Brighton boss has agreed to take over, signing a long-term contract in the process, after the departure of interim boss Igor Tudor. De Zerbi has been a long-term managerial target for the club.

De Zerbi said: “I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world.

“In all my discussions with the Club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.

“Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”

Spurs are facing a potentially ruinous relegation from the Premier League and De Zerbi has little time to hit the ground running.

Nevertheless, sporting director Johan Lange has talked up his appointment, saying: “Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now.

“He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football, and brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League.”

Rio Ferdinand is one pundit who thinks it is a risky appointment, saying: “Listen, at the moment I’d be more worried about the hierarchy, I’d be looking into that. Why has it gone so wrong for so many? Big names, new ones… why has this place not been able to kick on? I don’t understand it because they’ve got it all sitting there… are they [the hierarchy] going to be a hinderance to me [Tottenham’s next manager] behind the scenes? Are they going to ruin my reputation even more now? What’s the situation here?”

Per BBC Sport, the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust has made it clear they cannot support the appointment of De Zerbi because of his previous comments about Mason Greenwood while at Marseille.

He said at the time: "All I can see is that Mason seems a good lad, he paid in a strong way for what happened.

"He has probably here found the right environment for him, which gave him affection, and held out its hand to him.

"When I look at him as a person, I feel sad for what happened in his life, without getting into the details.

"Because the person I know here is very different to the one that has been described, especially in England."

De Zerbi has been accused of downplaying Greenwood's actions and painting him as a victim.

Ferdinand has expressed serious doubts about the internal structure at Tottenham and how it might impact a high-profile coach like De Zerbi, who has emerged as the top candidate to replace Tudor following his recent dismissal.

While acknowledging the world-class infrastructure at the club, the pundit suggested that the problems run much deeper than the pitch, pointing the finger directly at the board. The Europa League holders are currently hovering just one point above the relegation zone after a dismal 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Ferdinand stated: “Listen, at the moment I’d be more worried about the hierarchy, I’d be looking into that. Why has it gone so wrong for so many? Big names, new ones… why has this place not been able to kick on? I don’t understand it because they’ve got it all sitting there… are they [the hierarchy] going to be a hinderance to me [Tottenham’s next manager] behind the scenes? Are they going to ruin my reputation even more now? What’s the situation here?”

Tottenham have made De Zerbi their primary target to guide them away from danger, but Ferdinand fears the environment at the club could stifle his creativity. The manager is reportedly in advanced talks over a five-year deal, yet the former England international remains unconvinced that the move is wise given the current proximity to the drop zone and the rapid succession of failed managers, including Thomas Frank and Tudor.

Ferdinand added: “I’ve always championed De Zerbi, I think he’s a great manager. He’s a thinking manager, he’s always looking for new, innovative ways to build his teams. This might be the perfect time to get him but are Spurs in the right situation for him? I’ve got to be honest, I wouldn’t go to Spurs right now. I just think it is a club that’s in such a bad way and there have been far too many managers that have failed there.”

The club find themselves in a precarious position, sitting 17th in the Premier League table with just 30 points after 31 games. They hold a narrow one-point advantage over West Ham in the relegation zone, while Burnley and Wolves trail significantly on 20 and 17 points respectively.

To secure survival, Tottenham face a daunting run of seven fixtures. The crucial stretch begins away to Sunderland on April 12, followed by a monumental clash against bottom-of-the-table Wolves on April 25. The club host 15th-placed Leeds United on May 9, and must also navigate difficult encounters against Aston Villa and Chelsea before concluding their campaign against Everton on May 24.