Kulusevski to travel with Tottenham despite Man Utd injury absence
Dejan Kulusevski will travel with Tottenham for Saturday’s trip to Manchester United, although the Sweden international remains unavailable after a long recovery from a serious right-knee injury.
Squad presence becomes part of De Zerbi’s preparation
Roberto De Zerbi has asked Tottenham’s full group to be involved around the United fixture, including players who cannot be selected. Kulusevski and fellow absentee Pedro Porro will make the journey to offer support from the sidelines for the high-profile away match.
The manager sees the presence of injured players as important to maintaining unity around the squad. Kulusevski’s trip does not signal an immediate return to competitive action, but it underlines that he remains closely connected to the first-team environment.
Kulusevski’s recovery remains under medical review
The forward has not appeared in a competitive game for more than 500 days after sustaining a patella injury to his right knee late in the 2024-25 season. His rehabilitation has been lengthy, with Tottenham unwilling to attach a firm return date while he builds back towards full fitness.
There has, however, been a notable step forward. During the recent international break, Kulusevski completed an 11-v-11 practice match against Tottenham’s academy side without issue. That work has moved him closer to a return, though the club will continue to assess his condition each week alongside the medical department.
De Zerbi praised the 25-year-old’s response to a difficult period, stressing that his conduct during rehabilitation has given the dressing room a useful example. The head coach said Kulusevski had dealt with both injury and misfortune with strong character.
Timeline of Kulusevski’s path back
- Kulusevski suffered a serious patella problem in his right knee at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
- The attacker missed more than 500 days of competitive football during his rehabilitation.
- He safely took part in an 11-v-11 game against the Tottenham academy during the latest international break.
- He will now travel to Manchester with Pedro Porro but will support Tottenham rather than feature against United.
No shortcut to matchday selection
De Zerbi has made clear that Kulusevski’s eventual availability is not a decision for the coaching staff alone. Tottenham’s medical team will remain central to the process, with the player’s workload and physical response monitored before any decision is made on including him in a matchday squad.
After such a substantial absence, the club’s priority is to avoid a setback rather than force a rapid return. Kulusevski will therefore remain outside the selection picture for Saturday, even as his training progress offers encouragement.
Key takeaways
- Kulusevski will be with Tottenham for Saturday’s match at Manchester United, but he is not ready to play.
- Pedro Porro will also travel despite his own injury absence.
- Kulusevski has been out for over 500 days following a right-knee patella injury.
- An 11-v-11 academy match represented a significant recent recovery milestone.
- Tottenham will make any return decision on a week-by-week basis with medical staff involved.
