Here’s a gut-wrenching reality for Tottenham and Sweden fans: two of their most vital players, Dejan Kulusevski and Alexander Isak, are still sidelined by injuries, leaving their return dates shrouded in uncertainty. But here’s where it gets controversial—while Sweden boss Graham Potter remains hopeful for their World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine in March, insiders whisper that rushing either player back could risk long-term damage. Let’s break it down.
Tottenham’s attacking midfielder, Dejan Kulusevski, hasn’t stepped onto the pitch this season after undergoing knee surgery last May to address a patella issue. For a player known for his creativity and relentless work ethic, his absence has been a glaring void for Spurs, especially as they navigate a challenging Premier League campaign. Potter, ever the optimist, recently shared, ‘We’re keeping our fingers crossed and hoping to get some of those guys back. If not, we’ll find a solution with who we have.’ But is hope enough?
And this is the part most people miss—Kulusevski’s rehabilitation hasn’t been a straightforward journey. Former Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, before his sacking, hinted at the complexity of the injury, emphasizing the need to ensure the knee is pain-free. ‘It’s a complicated injury,’ Frank noted, ‘where it’s crucial to avoid any discomfort. That’s why he received an injection, and hopefully, in three to four weeks, he’ll be training without pain.’ Yet, recent sightings of Kulusevski flying to Barcelona for a medical checkup suggest his return is still far from certain.
For Sweden, the stakes are even higher. Kulusevski’s last appearance for the national team was in November 2024, where he shone with two goals and an assist in a 6-0 thrashing of Azerbaijan. He even captained the side in five out of six UEFA Nations League matches, underscoring his leadership and importance. Without him, Sweden’s attacking dynamism could falter against a resilient Ukraine side.
But Kulusevski isn’t the only concern. Alexander Isak, the £125 million striker, is also on the mend after a fibula fracture in December during a 2-1 win at Tottenham. Manager Arne Slot recently revealed, ‘Alex has started running again, but it’ll still be a while before he’s match-fit.’ For Potter, the prospect of missing both players in such a high-stakes fixture is a nightmare scenario.
Here’s the bold question—should Sweden risk fielding Kulusevski or Isak if they’re not fully fit, or is it wiser to preserve their long-term health? And for Tottenham, how much longer can they afford to wait for Kulusevski’s return, especially with their Premier League position hanging in the balance? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—do you think rushing these stars back is worth the risk, or should patience prevail?
