Roberto De Zerbi doubts Dejan Kulusevski will recover for World Cup
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi admits it is highly unlikely that forward Dejan Kulusevski will be fit to represent Sweden at this summer’s World Cup.
The 26-year-old has been sidelined with a severe patella injury since May 2025 and is yet to return to full training at Hotspur Way.
He underwent a second surgical procedure on his knee during the March international break.
The attacking talisman is now considered a major doubt to make Graham Potter’s national squad for the upcoming tournament.
World Cup dreams fading
The former Juventus winger had previously expressed absolute determination to feature in his first global tournament after his nation secured qualification against Poland.
However, his club manager cast significant doubt on those aspirations given the prolonged lack of match fitness.
“For me, it’s difficult to understand how he can play at the World Cup if he didn’t play any games this season,” De Zerbi stated.
“But I texted him after the Villa game and he told me in the next week he comes back.”
“I hope he can be available to stay with us in the last game because he is an amazing player.”
Richarlison absence explained
Spurs recently alleviated their relegation fears with a vital 2-1 victory away to Aston Villa last weekend.
Despite the positive result, supporters grew concerned when Richarlison was notably absent from squad training on Wednesday afternoon.
The Brazilian forward had been substituted in the closing stages at Villa Park following an industrious display.
De Zerbi quickly moved to dispel any fears regarding a potential new fitness crisis for the London club.
“He missed training because he worked very hard against Villa,” the Italian coach confirmed.
“I think my mistake was not to substitute him before the end of the game.”
“Richarlison was playing very well, he was important in the set-pieces and he played a great game, but it is just fatigue.”