Tottenham Hotspur are navigating a delicate balancing act with Dejan Kulusevski's impending return to action. Despite languishing at the bottom of the Premier League and desperately seeking attacking inspiration, the club is resisting the temptation to rush the Swedish winger back into competitive football. After more than 20 months sidelined by a serious knee injury, Kulusevski remains on the cusp of a comeback, but Roberto De Zerbi's side are prioritizing patience over panic—a stance that underscores their commitment to safeguarding the 26-year-old's long-term wellbeing over short-term tactical solutions.
Kulusevski's journey back has been frustratingly protracted. A challenge from Marc Guehi left the midfielder with a damaged kneecap 16 months ago, necessitating surgery that would prove to be merely the first hurdle. Further complications emerged, forcing a second operation in March and sidelining him from Sweden's World Cup squad. Though he came close to featured in Spurs' recent clash against Aston Villa, the club erred on the side of caution. Now, sources indicate genuine optimism that Kulusevski could rejoin the matchday squad following the upcoming international break, with the October 10th trip to Old Trafford potentially marking his return date.
When—and if—Kulusevski does return, Tottenham's blueprint is crystal clear: his involvement will be incrementally introduced. The expectation is that he will initially occupy a place on the bench, with game time carefully rationed to prevent re-injury and allow his body to readjust to competitive demands. This conservative approach carries particular weight given Spurs' summer spending spree. Having invested more than €300 million in attacking reinforcements, including signings such as Savinho and Omar Marmoush, the pressure to immediately deliver results is immense. Yet remarkably, it is Conor Gallagher who currently leads Spurs' goal-scoring charts with just two strikes—a damning indictment of the team's potency in front of goal.
Kulusevski's inventiveness could prove transformative for De Zerbi's attack once he recaptures full match fitness, yet the club is adamant that realistic expectations must prevail. His return should be viewed as a gradual reintegration rather than a panacea, and sources emphasize that Spurs will not place undue pressure on the midfielder to single-handedly salvage their season. Having maintained fitness through training at facilities in Sweden during his absence, Kulusevski will now transition into regular work with his teammates. When he finally takes the field, it will feel akin to welcoming a major new acquisition—but only if Tottenham successfully resist the urge to accelerate his comeback before he is truly ready.