Tottenham Hotspur's preparation for the upcoming season has been dealt a significant blow, with Swedish international Dejan Kulusevski expected to be sidelined longer than initially anticipated.
Kulusevski, who underwent patella surgery in May 2025, is still far from making his return to the pitch. The winger was already expected to miss the Premier League opener against Burnley on August 16th. However, recent updates suggest that fans might have to wait considerably longer before seeing him back in action. This extended absence will undoubtedly impact Spurs' attacking options and could potentially disrupt their plans for the new season.
Thomas Frank, Tottenham manager, said:
“Kulusevski is nowhere near returning following his patella surgery in mid-May. Frank warned not to expect the 25-year-old back for the first Premier League game of the season against Burnley next month. The Swede is expected to miss far more than that as he continues his rehabilitation work on his right knee.”
Impact on Spurs’ attacking options
The news of Kulusevski's prolonged absence comes as a major setback to manager Thomas Frank. He had been counting on Kulusevski as a key creative force this season. With no clear successor brought in yet following the collapse of the Gibbs-White deal, pressure is now mounting on other team members.
James Maddison and Mohammed Kudus are two players who will need to step up early into the season. Maddison, now recovered from his own injury issues, is likely going to shoulder much of the creative burden during Kulusevski’s absence. Meanwhile, Kudus - a high-profile summer signing from West Ham - is expected to provide dynamism in attack.
Urgent need for proactive market moves
With Spurs returning to Champions League football this season after last year's disappointing 17th-place finish in Premier League standings, expectations are significantly higher and there's little room for error.
Chairman Daniel Levy must ensure that squad depth can handle both domestic and European challenges ahead. The prolonged absence of key player like Kulusevksi only underscores this need further. Frank has already shown ambition in pre-season, but Tottenham simply can't afford to let a thin squad derail their ambitions again. If Kulusevski’s recovery takes longer than expected, the club must consider bringing in another wide option before the transfer window closes.
While Kulusevski's extended absence is a blow to Spurs' plans for the new season, it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and make their mark. It also highlights the need for proactive moves in the transfer market to ensure that squad depth is not compromised. The coming weeks will be crucial as Spurs prepare for a challenging season ahead.
