Dejan Kulusevski is set to return to Tottenham’s matchday squad against Coventry after 527 days out, while Richarlison will not be involved and James Maddison’s starting role remains undecided. Roberto De Zerbi gave the updates at his Sunday press conference, as reported by football.london and in the club’s published transcript.

Three different selection situations

Kulusevski last started on May 11, 2025, when a tackle by Marc Guehi caused a complicated patella injury in his right knee. The injury ruled him out for the following season, and his recovery included setbacks. De Zerbi said the medical staff had approved a place on the bench; a start or a particular workload was not promised. The Kulusevski injury update remains a story of a return to competition, not yet a return to regular minutes.

Maddison is available and, De Zerbi said, ready to start. But the manager had not made that call. He also stressed that players need matches to rebuild their best physical condition, while noting Maddison could still contribute in a shorter appearance. His fitness situation therefore leaves a question of role rather than availability.

De Zerbi described Kulusevski’s absence as a difficult period that could help a player develop resilience. He said the Swede had suffered considerably and praised his response to the rehabilitation process. For Spurs, the immediate value is another established attacking option in the squad; the bench is the confirmed step, not evidence that the long lay-off is already behind him.

Richarlison remains outside the picture

Richarlison, by contrast, is unavailable for Monday’s match. football.london reported that the club left him out of its Premier League squad after he turned down summer moves and told De Zerbi he wanted to leave. He subsequently played and scored for the under-21s at Cheltenham Town, then shared Duncan Ferguson’s social-media comment about his situation.

De Zerbi said Richarlison’s exclusion was a club decision, not one he had made, and that the forward knew where to find him if he wanted to talk. The manager said his focus was on Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush scoring and winning games, rather than on Richarlison. The uncertainty around Richarlison’s first-team status has no confirmed resolution date in the conference account.

Coventry is the immediate test: Kulusevski is expected on the bench, Richarlison is out, and De Zerbi’s remaining call is whether Maddison starts or is used from the bench.