Roberto De Zerbi delivers major boost as Dejan Kulusevski nears Tottenham return

After a grueling 19-month absence, Dejan Kulusevski has finally returned to full training with the Tottenham senior squad. The Swedish international, who has been sidelined since the end of the 2024/25 campaign due to a severe knee injury, provides a significant psychological lift to a side currently searching for their first league win of the season.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi expressed his delight at the player's progress but emphasized the need for a managed approach. While Saturday's clash against Aston Villa comes too soon for a matchday involvement, the technical staff is eyeing a competitive return for the midfielder in October or November.

We have to manage Deki in the best way we can, with the medical staff, physical staff, but it’s a great thing for us. He’s a good player, he’s a good guy and he deserves to play again. Roberto De Zerbi

In addition to Kulusevski, De Zerbi provided updates on other key creative talents. James Maddison, who has struggled with fitness issues following an ACL tear and subsequent complications, has been working with the team for the last two weeks. The manager confirmed that Maddison, alongside Pedro Porro and Sandro Tonali—who both missed the midweek cup defeat to Liverpool—are in contention for the upcoming Villa match.

For a Tottenham side that has failed to score in their opening four Premier League fixtures, the availability of these high-profile players provides much-needed depth. De Zerbi remains steadfast in his belief that his team's results will improve as they maintain their composure and regain their fitness.