Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has given an update on the recovery of Dejan Kulusevski, and it is positive news for the fans.
Spurs have begun the 2025/26 season with the Swedish international, who underwent surgery on his patella, an injury carried over from last season. He hurt his right knee in the first week of May against Crystal Palace, which forced the attacker to miss the Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao.
Dejan Kulusevski was a key player for Spurs under former boss Ange Postecoglou last season, with the change in his positioning from out wide to midfield working wonders. He was undoubtedly the club’s best player and the chief creator in the first half of last campaign. The 25-year-old faded in the second half of the campaign because Tottenham’s unprecedented injury situation afforded him barely any rest. Yet, he finished with 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances.
A foot issue ruled the creative midfielder out of action for at least a month before his season ended prematurely after he damaged his right kneecap, leading to surgery. Kulusevski has spent the last few months recovering from his operation.
"He’s a top player, a key player for us… I just want him back as quick as possible"
— BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) September 23, 2025
Thomas Frank on Dejan Kulusevski’s recovery at Spurs ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/RaFernIWhH
Kulusevski is continuing his recovery process, with reliable Football London journalist Alasdair Gold recently claiming that he will not return to action until December. The player also opened up on his “difficult” injury and recovery process but that has helped his appetite grow stronger.
Now, Thomas Frank has delivered an update on the Swede’s current injury status. Speaking ahead of Doncaster Rovers’ visit to north London for the Carabao Cup third-round clash, the 51-year-old dropped that while he has not set a timeline for Kulusevski’s return, he expects that the midfielder will be back with the team before the year ends.
“Kulusevski is a top player. I always liked him when I saw him from afar. Key player for us, key player for me. I’m not putting a month on it but I want him back as soon as possible and he’s working hard to do that as are the staff. He will be back before the end of this year,” Frank was quoted by Football London.
In Kulusevski and James Maddison’s injury absences, Frank has turned to Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall to operate in advanced midfield roles. Both Sarr and Bergvall have done well, proving capable of carrying out Frank’s tactical instructions required in that position.
In addition, the Lilywhites have bolstered the attacking unit by signing Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig. The Dutchman came off the bench against Brighton and operated in his preferred No.10 role, after starting his first two matches on the left wing. Overall, Spurs have dealt very well with Kulusevski’s absence, but Frank wants to have the player back as quickly as possible.
The Sweden star’s return from injury would give the Spurs boss an extra attacking option and an alternative to Mohammed Kudus on the right wing. It will take time for the ex-Juventus man to hit top form after spending such a long time on the sidelines. Deki certainly will be chomping at the bits to return to action and make an impact for Frank’s side.
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