Kulusevski returns after 526 days sidelined by serious knee injury

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 12:15 · Archive

Dejan Kulusevski made his first Tottenham appearance in 526 days after a serious knee injury sustained in May 2025.

Dejan Kulusevski made his first Tottenham appearance in 526 days on Monday night, coming off the bench in the 87th minute of a 3-1 win over Coventry. The Swedish midfielder had not played competitively since suffering a kneecap injury against Crystal Palace in May 2025, which was initially described as a 'small knock' but developed into nearly 18 months of complications requiring two separate surgeries.

The injury had a profound psychological toll on Kulusevski. He told his closest family members a couple of months ago that his comeback might not happen, and at times questioned whether he would have to retire from football at just 26 years old. Describing the experience, he said: 'The journey felt impossible. It was the most difficult it could be.' He compared the ordeal to 'not breathing for two years'.

Despite the doubts, Kulusevski maintained his belief that he would return. He said: 'I had a feeling I was going to come back to play football. I just had to believe and that is what I do.' He credited his recovery to working 'ten hours every day when no one is watching' and said he relied on spiritual faith throughout the process: 'God gives me all the power. Every day he has been doing it for me.'

Kulusevski's return coincided with a significant moment for Tottenham. The club secured their first league win of the season, climbing off the bottom of the table after seven attempts. James Maddison also scored for the first time in almost 18 months after his own injury troubles, adding to the celebrations.

Kulusevski thanked the fans for their support and vowed to repay their faith with his performances going forward. His comeback marked the end of what he described as an 'impossible' and 'beautiful' journey back to professional football.

How it is being reported

• Dejan Kulusevski shares heartbreaking admission after making ‘impossible’ injury comebackSurgery on his right patella in May last year was followed by multiple setbacksIndependent Sport · 20 Oct, 13:14
• Dejan Kulusevski thanks Tottenham fans as star completes 'impossible journey' after 526-day absence with serious knee injury... and admitted he told loved ones 'it might not work out' just two months agoKulusevski returned as an 87th-minute substitute on Monday. It was his first appearance since a serious knee injury in May 2025 and coincided with an upturn in fortunes for Spurs.Daily Mail Sport · 20 Oct, 12:00
• Dejan Kulusevski opens up on 'impossible' comeback after 526-day injury nightmareTottenham midfielder Dejan Kulusevski made an emotional return to the pitch in the 3-1 win over Coventry on Monday night, ending a staggering spell on the sidelinesMirror Sport · 20 Oct, 12:00
• Dejan Kulusevski details depths of injury hell after making Tottenham returnSwedish star says spell on sidelines was akin to “not breathing for two years”Evening Standard · 20 Oct, 11:59

In this story: Dejan Kulusevski · Tottenham · Coventry City · Crystal Palace · James Maddison · Roberto De Zerbi · Sweden

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem