Dejan Kulusevski Makes Admission After Ending 526-Day Tottenham Injury Absence

 

Dejan Kulusevski says he is a "smarter" player after ending a 526-day injury absence in Tottenham's 3-1 win over Coventry on Monday.

The Sweden winger came off the bench in the 86th minute for his first appearance since a serious knee injury on May 11, 2025. Spurs earned their first Premier League win of the season, with James Maddison curling in a superb opener on his first start since May 1, 2025.

Kulusevski told Sky Sports he had learned a lot from the long road back. "I will tell everyone about the journey. It has been an amazing journey, even if it has been hard sometimes. Hard is beautiful. I am so grateful that I had to experience it. Now, I am ready to play football."

He feels the time out has changed him. "I see myself as different now. I think that I am a different man. The same guy that wants to play football, but a little bit smarter, so I am happy."

The Spurs fans gave him a loud welcome during his warm-up and when he came on. "I was locked in, I was ready to play those 10 minutes and make a good impact," he said. He thanked the supporters too. "It's amazing. It was more emotional this morning. It's a beautiful day and I am so happy that we won."

Maddison had only played as a substitute since returning from injury this season, and he was moved by his goal. "They're the ones you dream of. Without going too deep into it, those dark days last year, recovering from the ACL, you dream of them moments, them goals and that is the light at the end of the tunnel."

He also paid tribute to his team-mate. "That is why I was a bit emotional and I felt really proud of Dejan Kulusevski as well because him coming back. I knew exactly that feeling of him stepping onto the pitch after that time out, but those moments and goals make it all worth it."

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi said the pair make a difference around the club. "They are different players, different talent, different experience, different personality. With them in the dressing room, there is another atmosphere."