Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dejan Kulusevski has revealed that he feared his football career was over during a devastating 526-day absence caused by a serious knee injury.
The 26-year-old underwent two operations before returning to competitive action in October.
Now back with Sweden's national team, Kulusevski has opened up about the physical pain, emotional uncertainty and difficult medical decisions he faced during his recovery.
Kulusevski feared career was over after two knee operations
Kulusevski suffered a complicated knee cartilage injury during Tottenham's defeat to Crystal Palace in May 2025.
His initial operation failed to resolve the problem, while a second procedure in spring 2026 brought further uncertainty.
Speaking to Swedish media, the midfielder revealed that doctors subsequently proposed a third operation involving what he described as a knee transplant.
He rejected the procedure, which he said would have required another lengthy rehabilitation period.
Kulusevski admitted that persistent pain eventually left him questioning whether he would play professionally again.
"It was so painful just to walk upstairs," he explained.
"I started thinking, 'Well, if it's over, it's over.'"
He even told his mother that he feared his recovery would not succeed.
However, his condition eventually improved, allowing him to resume training and work towards a competitive return.
Tottenham midfielder credits family after emotional recovery
Kulusevski finally returned to action against Coventry on 19 October, ending an absence of 526 days.
He has since made four substitute appearances under Roberto De Zerbi, with Tottenham carefully managing his playing time.
Although the Sweden international is delighted to be back, he admits his knee still feels different.
"On match days, it's fine," he said.
"There are days when it doesn't feel like it used to, but once I'm out on the pitch, I don't even think about it."
Kulusevski also credited his family, particularly his daughter, with helping him through the most difficult periods.
"If I hadn't had my daughter, it would have been really tough. I would have been lost."
His return to Sweden's squad marks another significant milestone after almost two years away from international duty.
Sweden face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday before travelling to Poland on Tuesday, with Kulusevski hoping to continue rebuilding his fitness.
Key Points
- Kulusevski feared retirement during a 526-day absence caused by serious knee cartilage damage.
- The Tottenham midfielder underwent two operations and rejected a proposed third procedure.
- He has returned for Spurs and Sweden but admits his knee still feels different.
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