"It doesn't feel like it used to" – Tottenham player honest that injury has left a mark

Kulusevski back in Sweden training after 526 days out with knee injury; admits lingering effects but hopeful for future.

Dejan Kulusevski has returned to Swedish national team training for the first time in two years, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from a severe knee injury. The Tottenham midfielder spent 526 days sidelined after suffering damage to his patella and knee cartilage in a May 2025 defeat to Crystal Palace.

He underwent two operations, and doctors even proposed a full knee transplant over the summer, which he rejected in favour of natural rehabilitation.

Kulusevski has made four substitute appearances for Tottenham in recent weeks and is now integrated into Roberto de Zerbi's squad plans. However, he acknowledges the injury has left a permanent mark. "There are days when it doesn't feel like it used to, but once I'm out on the pitch, I don't even think about it," he said.

During the darkest moments of his recovery, when pain made even climbing stairs difficult, he considered his career might be over and prepared his family for that possibility. The 26-year-old credits his daughter with helping him through the mental struggle of the long lay-off.