Dejan Kulusevski is back on the training pitch, and if you’re a Tottenham fan, you can finally exhale. The man himself said his knee feels "great" after a recent procedure, a welcome update after a few weeks of hushed tones and vague timelines. Remember, this is the same player who logged 30 Premier League appearances last season, chipping in with two goals and eight assists. His presence on the right wing is vital for Ange Postecoglou's system.
Thing is, "procedure" always sounds a bit scary, doesn't it? Especially when it involves a knee. We saw how quickly things went sideways with Richarlison's various issues last year. Kulusevski’s absence, even for a short spell, felt longer because of the way Spurs started the season. They were flying, scoring goals, and then the injuries piled up. James Maddison, Micky van de Ven – suddenly the squad depth looked a lot thinner than it did in August. Having Kulusevski back on the grass, even if it's just individual work for now, offers a psychological boost as much as a physical one.
Look, Postecoglou has done a remarkable job in his first season. Spurs are playing exciting football, a stark contrast to the dour stuff we’ve seen in recent years. But the squad isn't built for a prolonged injury crisis, especially in the attacking third. Son Heung-min has carried a huge load, netting 17 goals in the league this term. Without Kulusevski's creativity and ability to drive at defenders, the onus on Son and Brennan Johnson becomes even greater. Johnson, to his credit, has started to find his feet, bagging five goals and seven assists in 29 league outings. But he’s not Kulusevski.
And that’s the rub. Kulusevski brings a unique blend of power, dribbling, and a surprising knack for key passes. He’s not always the flashiest, but he's effective. In 2022-23, he averaged 1.7 key passes per 90 minutes. That kind of consistent threat from the wide areas is what unlocks defenses, especially against teams that sit deep. His return, whenever it fully happens, will allow Postecoglou to rotate more effectively and keep his attacking players fresh for the run-in.
Here's the thing: Tottenham’s schedule isn't getting any easier. They've still got to face Arsenal at home, Chelsea away, and Liverpool away. These are monumental fixtures for their European aspirations. Having Kulusevski available, even off the bench, could be the difference between a draw and a win in one of those games. His ability to hold up the ball and create chances in tight spaces is exactly what you need when you're chasing a result.
My hot take? Even with Kulusevski back in the fold, Spurs still need to invest heavily in another top-tier attacking option this summer. Son can’t do it all forever, and while Johnson is improving, he's not yet consistent enough to be the primary backup. This knee scare, however minor it proves to be, is a reminder of how quickly a season can unravel with just one or two key absences.
I predict Kulusevski will be back in full training within the next ten days and will score a crucial goal in one of Spurs' final three league matches, solidifying their European spot.