De Zerbi Questions Kulusevski's World Cup Fitness After Year-Long Injury Layoff
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi casts doubt on Dejan Kulusevski's chances of playing for Sweden at the World Cup, citing the winger's year without competitive action due to a knee injury. Despite Kulusevski's public resolve to recover in time for the North American tournament, De Zerbi admits the timeline appears unrealistic. The comments come ahead of Spurs' key Premier League match against Leeds, with the Italian also easing concerns over Richarlison's fitness.
Kulusevski's Race Against Time Clouds Sweden Ambitions
Dejan Kulusevski has not featured since May 2025, sidelined by a persistent patella injury that demanded a recent minor procedure. De Zerbi, speaking frankly on the player's prospects, stated he struggles to envision Kulusevski competing at the World Cup level without any matches this season. The manager revealed Kulusevski texted him post-Spurs' win over Aston Villa, signaling a return to Hotspur Way rehab next week, with hopes he might join the squad for their final game.
This injury saga underscores the tight margins players face in international tournaments. Sweden, absent from the 2022 World Cup, relies on stars like the former Juventus winger to drive qualification hopes. Long-term absences test medical teams' limits, often forcing national coaches like Graham Potter to prioritize proven fitness over raw talent.
Winger Stands Firm Amid Pessimism
Kulusevski dismisses the odds stacked against him. In a recent Viaplay interview, he declared his intent to bet on himself despite a year out: Sweden aims not merely to compete but to challenge giants like Brazil and France. His defiance highlights a player's mental edge in rehab, yet De Zerbi's realism tempers expectations, reflecting club priorities in protecting assets amid a grueling schedule.
Such narratives grip football followers, amplifying fan engagement across digital platforms where injury updates and recovery timelines dominate discourse. Tottenham's medical staff now juggles this with squad management, balancing individual dreams against team needs in the season's closing stages.
Richarlison Update Eases Spurs' Injury Worries
Richarlison skipped Wednesday training after scoring in the 2-1 victory over Villa, where he exited late. De Zerbi attributed the miss to fatigue from heavy workload and set-piece duties, regretting not substituting earlier. No injury lurks, he confirmed, positioning the Brazilian as available for Monday's Leeds clash.
Spurs Push for Relegation Escape
The Villa win lifted Tottenham from the Premier League drop zone, easing pressure in a tough campaign. De Zerbi eyes maximum fitness for remaining fixtures against Leeds, Chelsea, and Everton. Kulusevski's potential return, however slim, could bolster options, but the focus stays on immediate survival over distant World Cup pursuits.
