Dejan Kulusevski reveals 'idol' that helped Tottenham star through long-term injury

Kulusevski has returned to action after 18 months out with a knee injury sustained against Crystal Palace, crediting his wife's support through his recovery.

Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski has made his long-awaited return to action following an 18-month absence with a serious knee injury. The Swede suffered a patella problem in a collision with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi on the final day of the 2024-25 season and missed Spurs' Europa League triumph over Manchester United in Bilbao, which he described as "one of the hardest days of my life". He even told his mother he did not think he would play again.

Kulusevski has now featured in recent matches, including a cameo in the 2-0 win at Chelsea last weekend, and made his return during the 3-1 victory over Coventry City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. In an interview with Spurs' official media, he credited his wife Eldina as his "idol" for her support throughout his comeback. He also revealed that undergoing rehabilitation in Sweden with friends and working with a local physiotherapist proved transformative, allowing him to regain control of his leg and manage his pain differently. With injuries affecting Savio, James Maddison, Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert, Kulusevski will be looking to break into Roberto De Zerbi's starting XI.