’Good chance’—Thomas Frank finally provides positive update on injured playmaker

The weight of carrying Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham through the first half of last season ultimately took its toll on Dejan Kulusevski's body, who broke down physically during the latter stages of the campaign.

The Swede has embarked on some outstanding runs of form since joining the club midway through the 2021/22 campaign, as Fabio Paratici saw an opportunity to prise him away from a Juventus side that were failing to get the best out of him.

Kulusevski starred at the start of Antonio Conte's reign, proving to be an effective third wheel to Harry Kane and Son Heung-min's on-pitch romance. There have been troughs, no doubt, as well as injury setbacks, but he was back to his best at the start of 2024/25. I still remember that performance at Old Trafford.

However, Ange's reliance eventually compromised the Swede's campaign. He initially missed a month with a foot injury in March/April, then suffered a devastating knee injury weeks before the Europa League final. He's been out of action since, with his projected return date being pushed further and further back over the summer. Now, though, it seems like there's light at the end of the tunnel.

Thomas Frank supplies positive update on Dejan Kulusevski's recovery

Updates on the playmaker's recovery have come few and far between as of late, although the man himself thought it was necessary to post a gruesome image of his knee mid-operation on Instagram. Because why not?

Anyway, Frank was asked about Kulusevski, not his tendency to overshare, but his potential return date, and the boss said there is a "good chance" the Swedish star is back in action before the end of the year.

"Kulusevski is a top player," Frank commented (via Alasdair Gold), "I always liked him when I saw him from afar. Key player for us, key player for me. I'm not putting a month on it, but I want him back as soon as possible."

Frank has started his tenure without two key playmakers in Kulusevski and James Maddison, but sought to mitigate their absences by improving Spurs as a pressing force, all while placing a newfound emphasis on set-pieces. The addition of Xavi Simons will inevitably bear fruit, too.

However, when he's at full tilt, there's no denying that Kulusevski remains an important figure in north London. He combines Mohammed Kudus' capacity to resist and roll pressure, with Xavi's drive in possession. We may not see the best of him again deep into 2026, but having a countdown on his comeback is an update every Spurs supporter has wanted for weeks.