Headline: Dejan Kulusevski Shares Details of Lengthy Recovery from Knee Injury and Treatment Decision
Dejan Kulusevski has opened up about the knee injury that sidelined him for over 18 months, revealing that he opted against a potential knee transplant treatment. Kulusevski expressed the mental struggle he faced during his recovery, fearing he might never play football again.
The 26-year-old was absent from the game for 526 days, missing the entire 2025/26 season after suffering a patella injury in May 2025 during a match against Crystal Palace. Although he missed the start of the current season, Kulusevski has made a return, coming off the bench in matches against Coventry, Palace, and Leeds United.
Reflecting on his injury and recovery journey, Kulusevski shared feelings of despair, confessing that he often thought “it’s over, it’s over” while trying to return to the pitch. He even shared his concerns with his mother regarding his treatment options.
Now fit to compete, Kulusevski received a call-up for Sweden’s Nations League matches this month. If he plays against Bosnia and Herzegovina or Poland, it will mark his first international appearance in two years.
The Tottenham forward elaborated on the lengthy duration of his recovery, stating, “The reason it took so long is that there are people who haven’t even recovered from injuries like this,” as reported by Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen.
Dejan Kulusevski returned to the pitch in a Premier League clash against Coventry City (Getty)
Kulusevski disclosed that during the last summer, he consulted multiple doctors about undergoing another surgery, which could have resulted in a knee transplant. Ultimately, he turned down that option, deciding instead that he would play through any pain he experienced. “I trained and tried to live like a normal person. I trusted that it would work out. So far, I’ve been right,” he added.
The forward explained that he was informed by medical professionals that a knee transplant carried a “50/50” chance of delaying his recovery further. Kulusevski also spoke to former teammates, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ivan Perisic about seeking advice from a doctor in Serbia, who played a significant role in his recovery.
Kulusevski emphasized the importance of having someone encouraging him during this difficult period, stating that the doctor’s confidence reassured him, saying, “Dejan, this is going to be fine.” Currently, Sweden leads Group B4 in the Nations League and aims for promotion to League A.
