Former Sweden Star Sends Strong Warning to De Zerbi Over Kulusevski’s Tottenham Return
Former Sweden international Anders Limpar has urged Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi to remain patient with Dejan Kulusevski following the winger’s long-awaited return from injury.
The 26-year-old recently returned to competitive football after spending 526 days on the sidelines with a serious knee injury sustained in May 2025. Following his recovery, Kulusevski made substitute appearances in Tottenham’s victories over Coventry City and Chelsea.
Although his return has delighted Spurs supporters, Limpar believes the club must avoid rushing him back into the starting lineup before he has fully recovered his fitness and confidence.
Speaking to PariuriX.com, Limpar expressed his happiness at seeing his compatriot back on the pitch, praising the determination and professionalism he demonstrated throughout his difficult rehabilitation.
The former Arsenal player admitted there had been concerns that Kulusevski might never return to football, making his comeback particularly special.
Limpar Advises Tottenham to Wait Before Starting Kulusevski
Despite the encouraging signs shown during his brief appearances, Limpar believes the Swedish international will need considerable time to regain his previous level of performance.
He explained that returning after such a lengthy absence is challenging, especially for a player who was previously capable of making a significant impact in the Premier League.
According to Limpar, Kulusevski must gradually rebuild his match fitness rather than immediately being expected to perform at his best.
He also highlighted the psychological challenges that can accompany a serious knee injury. A player returning from such an ordeal may initially hesitate when sprinting, challenging opponents or making certain movements for fear of suffering another setback.
Limpar therefore recommended that Tottenham allow Kulusevski to gain valuable minutes in reserve matches and build consistency through training before considering him for a starting role.
He suggested that the winger could be ready to start a game around March or April, depending on how his recovery progresses.
Limpar also stressed that patience is essential, warning that another serious knee injury could have devastating consequences for the player’s career.
With several years of football potentially still ahead of him, he believes Tottenham should prioritise Kulusevski’s long-term fitness instead of rushing his return.
De Zerbi Also Insists on Careful Management
Limpar’s advice reflects the cautious approach De Zerbi has already adopted towards Kulusevski and fellow playmaker James Maddison.
Following Tottenham’s 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the Italian manager emphasised that both players require special attention because of their individual circumstances and injury histories.
De Zerbi explained that the club’s medical staff are working closely with the players, monitoring their progress and adjusting their workloads gradually.
The Spurs manager made it clear that their recovery plans must be handled carefully, with progress assessed daily and weekly rather than following a rushed timetable.
Tottenham Focused on Protecting Kulusevski’s Future
Tottenham will be eager to benefit from Kulusevski’s creativity and attacking quality after such a lengthy absence. However, the club must balance that desire with the need to ensure he can return without further complications.
His recent appearances have offered encouragement, but rebuilding full match fitness after more than a year away from competitive football will take time.
As Spurs prepare for their upcoming meeting with Crystal Palace, the priority will be to continue managing the Swedish international carefully.
For Limpar, the message to De Zerbi is clear: Tottenham must resist the temptation to rush Kulusevski into the starting XI and allow his recovery to progress at the right pace.
