Kulusevski Set for Tottenham Return Against Coventry After 18-Month Absence

Tottenham will have Dejan Kulusevski back in the matchday squad for Monday’s meeting with Coventry, ending an absence of almost 18 months for the Sweden international. Roberto De Zerbi confirmed the winger has been cleared to return as a substitute after progressing through full-sided training during the international break.

Kulusevski cleared after long recovery

Kulusevski has not played a competitive match during a prolonged rehabilitation from a complicated kneecap problem. His return follows a successful 11-versus-11 session, with Tottenham’s medical department now satisfied he can resume involvement.

De Zerbi described the clearance as the club’s most encouraging development since the Everton match and said the player had endured a difficult period. The Tottenham manager said he had spoken with Kulusevski the previous day and was pleased to see the winger’s reaction to the news.

The immediate plan is for Kulusevski to begin among the replacements rather than return straight to the starting line-up at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Fresh injuries affect Tottenham’s options

The positive update on Kulusevski has been offset by new fitness concerns for Savio and Lucas Bergvall, while Pedro Porro remains unavailable. Savio suffered a muscular issue shortly before the squad travelled to Marbella for their training camp.

De Zerbi said the Brazilian summer arrival felt the problem on Tuesday before the trip and will miss several weeks. The absence removes another attacking option at a point when the head coach had hoped to have greater depth in forward areas.

• Dejan Kulusevski: fit to return to the squad and expected to be among the substitutes.
• Savio: muscular injury sustained before the Marbella camp; expected to be out for a number of weeks.
• Lucas Bergvall: knee issue suffered during the draw with Manchester United; projected absence of two weeks.
• Pedro Porro: still recovering from a hamstring injury and not ready for Monday’s fixture.

Bergvall ruled out after Old Trafford knock

Bergvall’s problem dates back to the match at Old Trafford, where he felt pain in his knee early in the game after creating an opportunity for Dominic Solanke. The midfielder continued at the time because he felt capable of playing on, but reported to the training ground on Sunday and was subsequently ruled out for two weeks.

Porro had been considered a possible returnee for the Coventry match, but his hamstring recovery has not advanced far enough for him to feature. Tottenham will therefore need an alternative at right-back as De Zerbi manages a squad missing three players, with Kulusevski only just ready to rejoin the group.

Monday test for De Zerbi’s squad

Tottenham’s manager must now balance the welcome return of Kulusevski with reduced options elsewhere in the side. Savio’s absence limits the available wide attackers, Bergvall’s injury removes a midfield alternative, and Porro’s continued lay-off leaves the defensive unit short of a recognised first-choice full-back.

Monday’s game against Coventry will offer Kulusevski the opportunity to take his first competitive step after a lengthy recovery, while Tottenham assess how quickly their other injured players can return over the coming weeks.