Kulusevski Credits Swedish Physio for Injury Comeback After Long Absence

Recovery and Breakthrough

Tottenham forward Dejan Kulusevski has opened up about his grueling recovery process after spending 526 days sidelined with severe knee problems. The 26-year-old admitted that he previously feared his professional career might be over following persistent setbacks from a patella injury that kept him out for the entirety of last season.

The turning point came during a visit to a specialist physiotherapist in Sweden. According to Kulusevski, the practitioner utilized specific techniques that altered his nervous system's response to pain.

• The Turning Point: Exercises that previously caused severe discomfort suddenly became manageable.
• Mental Shift: Realizing the pain felt different and that he had regained control of his leg provided the immediate mental boost needed to push forward.
• Daily Routine: The player now dedicates an hour every evening before sleep to stretching and specialized treatment to manage the condition.

Return to Action and Working Under De Zerbi

Following his intensive summer rehabilitation, Kulusevski returned to Tottenham for pre-season training, where medical staff were reportedly impressed by his rapid progress and physical gains. He successfully ended his 17-month absence by making a substitute appearance against Coventry, followed by an appearance against Chelsea in fixtures early in the season.

Looking ahead, Kulusevski expressed enthusiasm about playing under manager Roberto de Zerbi, describing the coach as a "very special manager" with a unique approach.

• Match Status: Completed matches involving Tottenham against Coventry and Chelsea.
• Preparation: Rigorous individual rehabilitation spanning over a year.
• Future Outlook: Focus on maintaining physical strength and contributing to the squad under the new coaching staff.

Verification and Context

Readers seeking to verify these statements can consult official club media channels and interviews published by Tottenham Hotspur or authorized sports news outlets reporting on the Premier League. As with all player interviews, claims regarding medical breakthroughs reflect the athlete's personal perspective rather than independent clinical diagnoses.