Dejan Kulusevski set for Tottenham return against Coventry after 18 months out

Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Dejan Kulusevski will be on the bench for Monday night's clash with Coventry at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Sweden international has been out for close to 18 months with a serious kneecap problem and is finally set to return to the matchday squad.

  • Fixture: Tottenham vs Coventry, Monday night
  • Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
  • Headline: Dejan Kulusevski set to be on the bench after 18 months out
  • Out: Savio (muscular, weeks), Lucas Bergvall (knee, two weeks), Pedro Porro (hamstring, not ready)
  • Quote: De Zerbi: "Probably the greatest news since the Everton game"

What was said

"Yes [he will be on the bench], the medical staff have given the ok. It's probably the greatest news since the Everton game. He has suffered too much. I told him yesterday and he had a big smile on his face."

— Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham head coach, on Dejan Kulusevski's return

"No Savio, unfortunately Savio on Tuesday before leaving for Marbella felt a muscular problem and we have lost him for some weeks."

— Roberto De Zerbi, on Savio's injury

"And Lucas Bergvall because he had a problem in Manchester early on in the first chance he created for Dominic Solanke. He felt pain in his knee but felt fine and on Sunday he came to the training ground and he'll be out for two weeks."

— Roberto De Zerbi, on Lucas Bergvall's injury

De Zerbi's comments reveal the emotional weight of Kulusevski's return. The Sweden international has endured a miserable spell, and the head coach's description of telling the player the news underlines how significant this moment is for the squad.

The update on Savio and Bergvall, however, shows that Tottenham's injury problems are far from over. Savio's muscular issue, picked up before the squad left for Marbella, robs Spurs of a key option for several weeks. Bergvall's knee problem, sustained in the draw at Manchester United, adds to the list of absentees.

Injury and availability

  • Dejan Kulusevski: Available for the bench against Coventry after close to 18 months out with a kneecap problem. Has featured in an 11-a-side training game at Hotspur Way and travelled with the squad to Old Trafford.
  • Savio: Out for weeks after suffering a muscular problem on Tuesday before the squad left for Marbella.
  • Lucas Bergvall: Out for two weeks after picking up a knee problem in Manchester. Felt pain in his knee but felt fine; came to the training ground on Sunday.
  • Pedro Porro: Not yet ready after his hamstring injury.

Why Kulusevski's return matters more than a bench place

Dejan Kulusevski's return is not just a fitness boost; it is a psychological lift for a Tottenham side that has been managing setbacks and long-term absences. The Sweden international's ability to play in multiple attacking positions gives De Zerbi a valuable option from the bench, even if his minutes will be limited initially. His presence in the squad for the Coventry match is the first step towards regaining rhythm and becoming a real option again.

However, the absence of Savio and Bergvall leaves Spurs short in key areas. Savio's muscular problem, picked up before the trip to Marbella, means De Zerbi will have to reshuffle his forward line. Bergvall's knee issue, sustained in the draw at Manchester United, further depletes the midfield options. Pedro Porro's continued absence with a hamstring injury means the right-back position remains a concern.

Kulusevski's return could not have come at a better time, but De Zerbi will need to manage his minutes carefully. The head coach's comment that the medical staff have given the ok suggests a cautious approach, with the bench role against Coventry likely to be the first of many steps towards full fitness.

Talking points

  • Should Kulusevski go straight into the starting XI once fully fit, or does he need a gradual introduction after 18 months out?
  • With Savio and Bergvall out, is Tottenham's squad depth strong enough to cope with the busy schedule ahead?
  • De Zerbi called Kulusevski's return "the greatest news since the Everton game" — does that underline how much Spurs have missed him?
  • Pedro Porro's hamstring injury leaves a gap at right-back; should Spurs look to the academy or adjust their system?

What happens next

Tottenham face Coventry on Monday night at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Kulusevski expected to be among the substitutes. The match offers De Zerbi's side a chance to build momentum, but the absences of Savio, Bergvall and Porro mean the squad will be tested. How Kulusevski fares in his comeback could set the tone for the weeks ahead.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dejan Kulusevski playing for Tottenham against Coventry?

Kulusevski is set to be on the bench against Coventry after Roberto De Zerbi confirmed the medical staff have given the ok.

Who is injured for Tottenham vs Coventry?

Savio is out for weeks with a muscular problem, Lucas Bergvall is out for two weeks with a knee issue, and Pedro Porro is not yet ready after his hamstring injury.

How long has Kulusevski been out for?

Kulusevski has been out for close to 18 months with a serious kneecap problem.

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