Kulusevski Returns as Tottenham Beat Coventry for First League Win
Dejan Kulusevski has returned to Tottenham action after a 17-month absence, coming off the bench in the 86th minute of Spurs’ Premier League win over newly promoted Coventry. The Sweden international received a warm reception from the home crowd as Tottenham secured their first league victory of the 2026-27 season.
A long injury absence ends
Kulusevski had not played since May 11, 2025, having been sidelined by a serious knee injury. The 26-year-old’s rehabilitation included several setbacks, but his brief appearance against Coventry marked the completion of a prolonged recovery process.
Speaking after the match, Kulusevski described the occasion as a major personal moment and said he feels changed by the experience.
- He said he intends to tell the full story of his recovery, calling it an extraordinary experience despite difficult periods.
- Kulusevski said the time away had made him “a little bit smarter”, while retaining his desire to play football.
- He had prepared specifically to make an impact during his short spell on the pitch against Coventry.
- While he found the day emotional from the morning onwards, he was particularly pleased that Tottenham took all three points.
Spurs can manage his return carefully
Tottenham have welcomed back another player capable of changing matches, with James Maddison also having overcome his own injury problems. Roberto De Zerbi has considerable depth in the attacking and creative areas, meaning Kulusevski does not need to be rushed into a prominent role.
Maddison, Sandro Tonali, Mohammed Kudus, Savio, Omar Marmoush, Wilson Odobert, Conor Gallagher and Mykhailo Mudryk are all available to offer creativity or attacking midfield cover. That competition will allow Spurs to build Kulusevski’s minutes gradually after such a lengthy lay-off.
Former Tottenham midfielder Gus Poyet believes patience will be important, even if the return itself should provide a substantial psychological boost.
Poyet said Kulusevski would need time to regain his best level, but stressed that Tottenham’s attacking options remove any immediate need to place the burden on him. Drawing on his own experience of returning from injury before he was fully ready, Poyet said players can sometimes be pushed back in because of absences elsewhere in the squad. He expects Kulusevski’s return to be a significant lift mentally over the coming months.
Contract position and London derby schedule
Kulusevski’s existing Tottenham contract runs until 2028. By the end of the current campaign, he will enter the final 12 months of that agreement, and discussions over a new deal have been suggested as Spurs assess his value after his return to fitness.
The next two fixtures offer opportunities for the winger to continue building match sharpness.
- Tottenham travel to Chelsea on Saturday for a London derby.
- Crystal Palace visit Tottenham the following week.
With Spurs now off the mark in the Premier League and a packed group of attacking players available, the immediate priority for Kulusevski will be to add minutes steadily and work back towards the form that made him a popular figure in north London before his injury.
