Sweden manager Graham Potter provides an update on Tottenham star Dejan Kulusevski's injury status
The Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder, Dejan Kulusevski, has been sidelined since last May after undergoing knee surgery. Sweden manager Graham Potter is hopeful that Kulusevski and Alexander Isak will be fit for the nation's crucial World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine, which is scheduled for the end of March. However, there are concerns that both players may not be ready for the match.
Kulusevski has not played for Tottenham this season, and his recovery has been a challenging process. Tottenham's former boss, Thomas Frank, recently indicated that Kulusevski's return is not imminent, citing the need for careful rehabilitation to ensure there is no pain in his knee. Frank mentioned that Kulusevski will be on the grass pain-free in three to four weeks.
Kulusevski's importance to the Swedish national team is evident, as he has captained the team in five of their six UEFA Nations League matches and scored twice in the 6-0 victory over Azerbaijan in November 2024. Tottenham would benefit from Kulusevski's creativity and work ethic in the final third, but his return is uncertain.
Adding to the injury concerns, Alexander Isak is also unlikely to return soon after suffering a fibula fracture in December. Arne Slot, speaking about Isak, mentioned that he has only recently started running, indicating a lengthy recovery process before he can play again.
As the team prepares for the crucial World Cup play-off, Potter and the coaching staff must carefully manage the recovery of Kulusevski and Isak, finding solutions with the available players until their return.
