Roberto De Zerbi explains surprise Dejan Kulusevski role as Tottenham return nears

Kulusevski will travel to Manchester United on Saturday for support only, with De Zerbi confirming his return is close after 500+ days out with a knee injury.

Dejan Kulusevski will travel with Tottenham to Manchester United on Saturday but is only set to offer support alongside injured defender Pedro Porro. The Swedish attacker has not played competitively for more than 500 days following a serious patella injury to his right knee sustained at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. Manager Roberto De Zerbi praised Kulusevski's character and recovery work during the international break, where he played in an 11-v-11 match against Spurs' academy. De Zerbi acknowledged a long-awaited return is close but said the timing will be determined week by week in consultation with the medical staff.