Tottenham posted a photograph on Monday evening that will have meant more to their supporters than almost anything else from this difficult start to the season. Dejan Kulusevski’s number 21 shirt hanging in the dressing room at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium of tonight’s match against Coventry City. No words needed beyond “a welcome sight.”

It has been 526 days since Kulusevski last played a competitive minute for Spurs. His final appearance came in the 2-0 Premier League defeat at Crystal Palace on May 11, 2025, when a challenge from Marc Guehi damaged his right patella. Surgery followed immediately. Then came a second procedure in early 2026 after the cartilage failed to heal under increased training loads, a complication that ruled him out for the entirety of last season and forced him to miss Sweden’s World Cup campaign in North America.

During the international break, Matt Barlow of the Daily Mail reported that Kulusevski had taken part in an 11-a-side training game at Hotspur Way, lining up for a senior group against a combined Under-18 and Under-21 side. That was the clearest signal yet that a return to the matchday squad was close. De Zerbi, who has described the Swede as “one of the best players we have in the squad” when fit, has been careful not to rush the process but the shirt on the hanger tonight suggests the wait is almost over.

146 appearances, 25 goals and a player De Zerbi genuinely needs

In 146 appearances for Spurs since joining on loan from Juventus in January 2022, Kulusevski has scored 25 goals and contributed 30 assists. His return, even from the bench, gives De Zerbi something no summer signing has been able to replicate: a player who already knows this club, this system, and exactly what is needed from him.