Football.London reports that Dejan Kulusevski has returned to Tottenham Hotspur training after more than 500 days out with a serious knee injury, raising the possibility that he could eventually move into the number 10 role.
During the international break, De Zerbi brought a number of Tottenham Hotspur players back to the club’s Enfield training centre. With most of the squad away on national-team duty, about one-third remained in north London to build fitness, improve their form or continue their recovery from injury under the coaching staff.
Maddison, Gallagher and Solanke were among those involved, alongside Udogie, Adarabioyo, Senesi and Kudus. Savio, who joined Tottenham Hotspur for £85 million this summer, also took part.
Kulusevski’s return marked the end of an absence lasting more than 500 days. The Sweden international suffered a complex patellar injury to his right knee during Tottenham Hotspur’s 0-2 defeat by Crystal Palace in May 2025. A series of further setbacks subsequently cast doubt over when he would be able to play again.
The 26-year-old has now completed full training with the squad. If he remains fit over the next few weeks and avoids the minor problems that can follow such a lengthy lay-off, he could be included in the matchday squad as early as this month, potentially starting on the bench.
Footage from training this week showed Kulusevski looking sharp. He played several accurate passes which created chances for Kudus, although the pair have never appeared together in a competitive match.
Kudus, who joined Tottenham Hotspur more than a year ago, has also spent a significant period injured. During small-sided games, he operated on the right wing while Kulusevski repeatedly supplied him with the ball.
Kulusevski previously played more regularly on the right, but his return could give De Zerbi another option in the number 10 position. That would put him in competition with Maddison, depending on how the manager chooses to balance Tottenham Hotspur’s attacking midfielders once the squad is fully fit.
The Swedish international is regarded as a technically gifted player, and Tottenham Hotspur will have several attacking midfielders capable of operating in different positions if all of their players return to fitness.