Dejan Kulusevski will be on Tottenham's bench against Coventry, with Roberto De Zerbi confirming the forward's return to the matchday squad after more than 500 days out. He was involved in an 11-a-side training match at Hotspur Way during the international break and travelled with Tottenham to Old Trafford for last weekend's 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
Kulusevski's return
De Zerbi said, “Yes [he will be on the bench], the medical staff have given the ok. It's probably the greatest news since the Everton game.” He also said Kulusevski had a “big smile” when told he was back in the squad, and added, “He deserves to feel emotion on the pitch.”
The timing is good for Tottenham, who sit 20th in the Premier League with 3 points from 6 games. The draw at Manchester United was their latest league result, and it came with Kulusevski still watching from the outside.
The injuries Tottenham still have to manage
The upbeat news does not change the rest of the team sheet. De Zerbi said Sávio is out for some weeks after a muscular problem, Lucas Bergvall will miss two weeks, and Pedro Porro has a hamstring injury that rules him out of Tottenham vs Coventry.
Porro has already made 3 Premier League appearances this season, so his absence removes a regular option rather than a fringe one. Kulusevski's return gives Tottenham one fit attacking body back, but the bench change arrives alongside three more absences and another short-term squeeze before Coventry.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →
