Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has delivered a worrying assessment of Dejan Kulusevski’s hopes of playing at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, admitting it is difficult to imagine the Swedish star making the tournament after such a lengthy injury absence.
At the same time, the Spurs boss also addressed fresh concerns surrounding Richarlison after the Brazilian missed training ahead of Tottenham’s crucial Premier League showdown with Leeds United.
And while one situation appears uncertain, the other may not be as serious as fans initially feared.
Dejan Kulusevski has endured a nightmare period on the sidelines after suffering a long-term patella injury that has kept him out since May 2025.
The Swedish winger has been battling through rehabilitation for months and recently underwent a minor follow-up procedure as he desperately attempts to revive his World Cup dream.
But De Zerbi’s latest comments suggest the road back remains incredibly difficult.
“I don’t know the situation well,” the Tottenham manager admitted.
“For me, it’s difficult to understand how he can play at the World Cup if he didn’t play any games this season.”
Those words will undoubtedly worry Sweden supporters hoping to see one of their biggest stars lead the national team on football’s biggest stage.
Still, De Zerbi revealed there is at least some positive movement in Kulusevski’s recovery process.
“He told me next week he comes back,” the Italian coach explained.
“And I hope he can be available to stay with us in the last game because he is an amazing player.”
Despite the doubts surrounding his fitness, Kulusevski himself remains fiercely determined to make Sweden’s squad.
The former Juventus star recently delivered an emotional statement about his ambitions, insisting he still believes he can complete what many see as an impossible comeback.
“If there is one person on the planet who can do this, I would bet on myself,” Kulusevski declared.
The winger also spoke passionately about representing Sweden at the World Cup after the nation failed to qualify for the 2022 tournament.
“As long as I live, I will do everything I can so that Sweden, when we go out and play, will not be afraid of anyone,” he said.
That fighting mentality has only increased admiration from Spurs and Sweden fans alike.
While Kulusevski’s recovery remains uncertain, De Zerbi moved quickly to calm fears surrounding Richarlison.
The Brazilian forward was absent from training after helping Tottenham secure an important 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, where he delivered an energetic performance and scored in the first half.
His absence immediately sparked concerns over another possible injury setback.
However, De Zerbi insists the issue is simply fatigue rather than anything serious.
“Yes, he missed training because he worked very hard against Villa,” the Spurs boss explained.
“I think my mistake was not to substitute him before the end of the game.”
De Zerbi praised Richarlison’s overall performance, highlighting his importance during set-pieces and his overall influence throughout the match.
For Tottenham supporters, that update will come as a major relief during a critical stage of the season.
The contrasting situations involving Kulusevski and Richarlison perfectly highlight Tottenham’s current challenge.
On one hand, the club is carefully managing players recovering from serious injuries. On the other, they are trying to keep key stars fit during an intense Premier League run.
And with the World Cup approaching, international ambitions are now adding even more pressure to already complicated fitness decisions.
For Kulusevski, time is quickly running out.
But if his own confidence is anything to go by, he still believes his story is far from over.
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Category: Football
Tags: Tottenham, Roberto De Zerbi, Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison, Sweden, FIFA World Cup 2026, Premier League, Injury News
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