Roberto De Zerbi provides Dejan Kulusevski injury update

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has admitted there is still no timetable for Dejan Kulusevski's return after the Swedish international spent more than a year on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.

The 26-year-old has not played since suffering the injury against Crystal Palace in May 2025, with Tottenham continuing to take a cautious approach to his rehabilitation.

Kulusevski sustained a serious right knee injury during Tottenham's Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace on 11 May 2025.

The winger subsequently underwent surgery on his kneecap and has now missed an entire season, as well as the 2026 World Cup, despite previously targeting the tournament as his comeback date.

His return has been delayed several times, leaving Spurs without one of their key attacking players for more than 12 months.

Speaking during Tottenham's pre-season tour, De Zerbi stressed that the club will not rush Kulusevski back into action.

"We have to see over the next few weeks."

"He's an important player."

"But after a full season without playing, we have to analyse everything very carefully and above all not take any risks."

"First for him, and then for us."

The Tottenham boss confirmed there is currently no fixed timetable for the Sweden international's return.

Kulusevski was not included in Tottenham's pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand as he continues his recovery programme.

According to the latest reports, a return for Spurs' Premier League opener against Brentford on 22 August appears unlikely.

Instead, the club are expected to gradually reintegrate the winger into first-team training before considering a competitive comeback.

With two years remaining on his current contract, Tottenham are prioritising Kulusevski's long-term fitness over a rushed return.

The winger remains an important part of De Zerbi's plans, but the Italian coach is determined to ensure the player is fully recovered before featuring again.

After more than a year away from competitive football, patience continues to be the club's approach.

Tottenham will continue monitoring Dejan Kulusevski's rehabilitation over the coming weeks before establishing a timetable for his return to training. The winger is unlikely to feature at the start of the Premier League season as Spurs prioritise his long-term recovery.