Dejan Kulusevski Out of 2026 World Cup, Aims for Pre-Season Return
Tottenham midfielder Dejan Kulusevski will miss the upcoming 2026 World Cup as his name was not included in Sweden’s provisional 55-man squad announced by Graham Potter on Monday. This absence confirms growing speculation regarding Kulusevski’s availability for the tournament, a topic that head coach Roberto De Zerbi had previously addressed with caution, stating, “difficult to understand how he can play at the World Cup if he didn’t play any games this season.”
Kulusevski’s ongoing injury saga has been lengthy, as he has been sidelined since May 2025 after undergoing patella cartilage surgery. He missed watching the Europa League final from the stands in Bilbao, marking over a year without competitive play. Initial recovery timelines were optimistic, projecting a return by the end of 2025, followed by hopes for the January international break and then the March squad. Recently, there was a hint of optimism when De Zerbi shared that Kulusevski had texted about returning to training at Hotspur Way “next week.” However, that hope has now faded, with the new aim set for the pre-season of 2026-27.
According to The Standard, the patella cartilage injury is particularly challenging in professional football. Unlike hamstring issues that require rest and gradual loading, cartilage damage in the kneecap necessitates specific healing conditions that do not always adhere to the timelines anticipated by medical professionals.