Dejan Kulusevski's positive injury update will please Thomas Frank

Amid the chaotic celebrations in Bilbao, Dejan Kulusevski was limited to the movements which his crutches afforded him.

The Swede, undeniably Spurs' best player during the first half of last season, cruelly suffered a knee injury ten days before the Europa League final which ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign and beyond.

Kulusevski was there in northern Spain for our special night, but was absent two days later as Ange Postecoglou's squad and staff paraded their first major honour in 17 years through the streets of north London.

The former Juventus star deserved to be at the forefront of those celebrations, but Kulusevski was instead forced to focus on his rehabilitation. The injury sustained against Crystal Palace required surgery, and, for the first time since the end of the season, Kulusevski has provided an update on his recovery.

Dejan Kulusevski predicts potential return date from knee injury

The left-footed playmaker was asked about his injury during the June international break by FotbollSkanalen, to which Kulusevski replied: “It’s good. I’m already ahead of schedule, I can start walking now, so that’s nice.”

Despite the positive update, Kulusevski is poised to miss the start of next season, which is poised to be led by new manager Thomas Frank. Spurs are on the brink of agreeing terms with the Brentford boss after deciding to part ways with Postecoglou.

However, the 25-year-old suggested that he could be back in time for Sweden's next set of World Cup qualifiers, meaning he'd only miss the opening month of 2025/26. "We'll see," he said in response to a potential September return.

The appointment of a new manager means speculation is rife over which of the current playing squad are set to thrive or struggle in the face of fresh ideas. Frank's tactical versatility means there's scope for Kulusevski to perform multiple roles for his fellow Scandinavian, but Kulusevski will have to compete with James Maddison for minutes in a number ten position and Spurs are set to add antoher wide player to their ranks this summer.

Bryan Mbeumo may not be joining Frank in north London, but Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze are two names boasting Spurs intrigue. Kulusevski will hope that his delayed start under Frank doesn't hinder his chances of blossoming into a key part of the Dane's project.

You suspect that Frank will appreciate the Swede's capacity to carry the ball in transition, as well as his willingness to run, run... and and run.