'Many were skeptical': Dejan Kulusevski reveals Tottenham staff doubts in shock injury admission

Kulusevski reveals some Tottenham staff doubted his recovery from the 18-month knee injury that sidelined him until last month.

Dejan Kulusevski has opened up about his battle back from a persistent knee problem that kept him out for 18 months, revealing that doubt surrounded his recovery even within Tottenham's staff. The Swedish forward made his long-awaited return to action in Spurs' 1-0 win over Coventry last month, but the lengthy lay-off had taken a toll on his confidence — at one point he told his mother he believed his career was over at just 26 years old.

Speaking to Fotbollskanalen, Kulusevski admitted: "There were many who didn't believe it, many were skeptical. Even at the club." He acknowledged feeling let down during the recovery process but said he has now moved past it and is happy to be back. "I've moved on and I love being at the club. I received a really good welcome when I came back."

Kulusevski has returned to international duty this week with Sweden and will feature in Nations League matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Poland, though he will be limited to around 30 minutes in each game as he continues his rehabilitation.