Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski feared career was over during knee injury nightmare

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dejan Kulusevski has revealed how his prolonged knee injury left him fearing he would never play football again.

The Sweden international, 26, has returned to national-team duty after nearly two years away, following two operations and a difficult rehabilitation.

Speaking to Swedish media, Kulusevski described discussions about another major knee procedure.

"I spent the whole summer talking to other doctors about having another operation. It would have been a knee transplant. I would have exchanged my knee for someone else's," he said.

The precise medical procedure has not been independently established.

His recovery remained frustrating despite extensive rehabilitation.

"I was training ten hours a day, but it wasn't working. It didn't matter what I did," he explained.

Eventually, he feared his career was finished.

"I had to tell my mum: 'I don't think it's going to work.'"

Kulusevski has credited specialist treatment with helping his recovery, having reportedly received advice from Zlatan Ibrahimović and Ivan Perišić.

Kulusevski also admitted feeling disappointed by some reactions during his absence.

"There were many who didn't believe it, many were sceptical. Even at the club," he said.

"Sometimes you wish you'd received more help and so on. But at the same time, I understand we're all part of a business."

However, he stressed that his relationship with Tottenham remains positive.

"I've moved on and I love being at the club. I received a really good welcome when I came back."

His comments do not establish wrongdoing by Tottenham's medical staff.

Kulusevski returned to competitive action in October after more than 500 days out.

Sweden manager Graham Potter is working closely with Tottenham to manage his playing time.

"I'll get to play some minutes in both games. Around 30 minutes in each. That's what's been said. It's better than zero, so I'm happy."

Sweden host Bosnia and Herzegovina on 14 November before visiting Poland on 17 November, with Kulusevski's workload carefully managed.