Dejan Kulusevski Shares How Injury Almost Ended His Career

Tottenham Hotspur winger Dejan Kulusevski has revealed the emotional and physical difficulties he faced during a long injury layoff. After colliding with Marc Guehi in the final match of the 2024-25 Premier League season, Kulusevski suffered severe knee damage that sidelined him for the entire 2025-26 campaign.

The Injury and Its Impact

The former Juventus player tore his cartilage so badly that a piece detached and moved inside his knee joint. Medical staff confirmed this was irreparable. He spent 526 days away from competitive football, only recently returning for brief appearances against Coventry and Chelsea.

Opening Up About the Pain

I remember the game, it felt like a good warm-up, then I got hit after 10 minutes. It hurt, but not too much at first. Later, I realized my knee was moving too much. The cartilage broke and flew to another part of the knee. They can’t fix cartilage, so a part was gone,

Kulusevski also shared how the injury affected him mentally. He told his mother, "Listen, I don’t think this is going to work out. I don’t think I can play anymore." That moment marked a low point in his recovery journey.

Missing Out on Tottenham’s Triumph

While Kulusevski recovered, Tottenham lifted the Europa League trophy in 2025 by beating Manchester United. Watching his teammates celebrate while he was on crutches was emotionally tough. He described that day as one of the hardest in his life, especially since he couldn’t even step onto the podium to receive a medal.

Looking Ahead: Building Momentum

Now back on the field, Kulusevski aims to regain full fitness and sharpness. Tottenham seek a third straight win when they face Crystal Palace soon, which should offer a good chance for him to get more involved and leave the injury nightmare behind.

Additional Notes on Kulusevski’s Background

Known for his skillful wing play, Kulusevski continues to be an important part of Tottenham’s attacking options. His journey through recovery highlights the challenges players face beyond just physical healing.