Roberto De Zerbi has cast doubt over Dejan Kulusevski's chances of featuring at the upcoming World Cup, despite the Tottenham winger's unwavering determination to recover from a long-term knee injury. The Swedish international has been sidelined since May 2025 with a persistent patella issue and recently underwent a follow-up procedure, leaving him in a desperate race against time to join Graham Potter's Sweden squad this summer.
De Zerbi's assessment was candid. "I don't know the situation well," the Spurs boss said. "For me, it's difficult to understand how he can play at the World Cup if he didn't play any games this season. But I texted him after the Villa game. He told me in the next week, I think, he comes back to continue his rehab at Hotspur Way. And I hope he can be available to stay with us in the last game because he is an amazing player." The manager's cautious outlook reflects the severity of Kulusevski's rehabilitation, which has stretched across multiple months without competitive match fitness.
Kulusevski's World Cup Determination
Despite his manager's reservations, Kulusevski has remained vocal about his ambitions. The former Juventus star told Swedish broadcaster Viaplay: "I haven't played in a year. I know what the chances are. But if there is one person on the planet who can do this, I would bet on myself." Sweden failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, making this tournament a crucial opportunity for the winger to lead his nation on the global stage. His psychological resilience has been tested, but his commitment appears unshakeable as he pushes through gruelling rehabilitation at Hotspur Way.
Richarlison Injury Scare Resolved
De Zerbi also addressed concerns surrounding Richarlison after the Brazilian was absent from Wednesday's training session. The forward had delivered an influential performance in Spurs' 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, scoring in the first half and providing defensive contributions in set-piece situations. However, his late substitution sparked injury worries among supporters and medical staff alike.
The manager quickly reassured the fanbase, attributing the absence to fatigue management rather than a fresh injury. "Yes, he missed training because he worked very hard against Villa," De Zerbi explained. "I think my mistake was not to substitute him before the end of the game. But Richarlison was playing very well, he was important in the set-pieces and he played a great game. But just fatigue." This honest assessment from De Zerbi demonstrated his commitment to squad rotation during a demanding campaign.
Tottenham's win over Villa lifted them out of the Premier League relegation zone, providing breathing room in an otherwise difficult season. With Leeds visiting on Monday night, followed by fixtures against Chelsea and Everton, every available player will be crucial to the club's survival push. De Zerbi's squad management decisions may prove decisive in the final stretch of the season.
