Top News

Dejan Kulusevski has endured more than a year on the sidelines at Tottenham Hotspur, and former Spurs midfielder Danny Murphy has told GOAL that the Swedish attacker’s comeback could follow a path similar to that of either Fernando Torres or Ruud van Nistelrooy. Those at Tottenham are naturally hoping that his story mirrors the latter’s successful return, as the 2026-27 Premier League season offers a fresh start for all involved.

When did Kulusevski last appear for Tottenham?

Kulusevski’s most recent competitive outing was on May 11, 2025, when he was forced off early in the first half of a clash with Crystal Palace. The 26-year-old had been battling a persistent patella injury, and it soon became apparent that surgery was the only viable solution.

Since that day, he has undergone multiple operations and faced several frustrating setbacks during a lengthy recovery process. The Swede did not feature for even a single minute throughout the entire 2025-26 season.

His hopes of representing his country at the World Cup were also dashed, as taking a risk on his fitness was deemed unwise. However, there remains optimism that a strong pre-season will allow him to rejoin the Tottenham squad when the Premier League resumes in August.

Will Kulusevski return as the same player?

After such an extended absence, questions have understandably been raised over whether the former Juventus star, who had become a key figure in north London, can rediscover his best form. Speaking to GOAL in association with NetBet Football, Murphy explained: “I don't think there’s a one-size-fits-all answer to that.”

He added: “The longer you’re out, the harder it becomes to get back to your peak. Some players never fully recover. I think of Fernando Torres — after his serious knee injury at Liverpool, he moved to Chelsea but could never quite find the same rhythm. Similarly, Rodri hasn’t quite reached his previous levels since returning from a long layoff.”

“But then there are exceptions. Ruud van Nistelrooy, for instance, suffered a major knee injury that delayed his move to Manchester United, yet when he eventually joined, he was outstanding. Alan Shearer also came back from a bad knee injury and continued scoring heavily.”

“It all depends on the player and the nature of the injury. I genuinely believe that if Kulusevski and James Maddison, among others, had been fit for even half of last season, Tottenham wouldn’t have struggled as much. He’s that influential.”

Murphy further commented: “I think he’ll stay at Tottenham and be given the chance to regain his form because few clubs would take the risk of signing someone who’s been out for over a year, especially with his current wages. For Tottenham, it could feel like having a new signing.”

Tottenham counting on Maddison’s leadership

Tottenham managed to avoid relegation last season without Kulusevski’s services. Under Roberto De Zerbi — who succeeded Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor — Spurs ensured Premier League survival.

Despite consecutive 17th-place finishes, there is renewed optimism within the club. The 2026-27 season should see several long-term absentees return to full fitness, including Kulusevski, Maddison, Xavi Simons, and Mohammed Kudus.

When asked whether Maddison, who has earned seven senior England caps, needs to take centre stage as Tottenham’s creative spark, Murphy replied: “To an extent, yes. He’ll probably feel he owes the club after missing so much time.”

“The thing about Maddison is that he always makes things happen and produces moments of magic. He’s a terrific player — confident and proven.”

“If I were Tottenham, given Simons’ injury — and although Simons has good qualities — I’d still say Maddison is the better player. He was probably signed to fill that creative void, but Maddison has something extra.”

Murphy continued: “I don’t think Tottenham will let him leave. In my view, Maddison is even more influential than Kulusevski because he’s brave enough to take charge when the crowd is nervous and others shy away. He gets on the ball, plays those decisive passes, and changes games.”

“It could be a massive season for him. I love watching him — he’s one of those rare, fearless players who plays with individuality. We don’t see many like him anymore.”

“Even in his brief cameos at the end of last season — 10 or 15 minutes here and there — he made a difference, calming things down and dictating play. He could be a huge player for Tottenham this year.”

Tottenham’s 2026-27 Premier League fixtures released

Maddison, who had been out since May 2025, returned late last season and made three appearances after overcoming his own long-term injury. The 29-year-old now looks set for a full campaign.

He and the rest of De Zerbi’s squad will aim to start strongly in 2026-27. The Premier League has confirmed that Tottenham will open their campaign away to Brentford on August 22.