Brief
De Zerbi hails Kulusevski as inspirational figure amid Spurs' winless start
Spurs' manager says the long‑term injured forward can inspire the squad as they chase a first Premier League victory.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio De Zerbi said returning forward Dejan Kulusevski should be used as an "inspiration" for the squad, as the club remains winless after five league games.
What happened
Kulusevski has missed more than 500 days with a complex patella injury that required two surgeries. He participated in an internal 11‑a‑side friendly during the international break and has now returned to training after a minor setback.
What the reports add
Standard reported that De Zerbi wants to employ Kulusevski in a support role similar to James Maddison’s position at the end of the previous season. The manager said Kulusevski’s character, courage and passion should be a reference for all players.
What was said
“Yes, he’s an inspiration,” De Zerbi told Standard. “He reacted very well, with character, with courage, with passion.”
“I think he is an example for everyone,” he added, noting the importance of Kulasevski’s reaction to his injury and misfortune.
How it came about
Spurs have struggled early in the 2026‑27 Premier League, sitting at the bottom of the table after five matches. De Zerbi, appointed last season, is looking to lift morale and improve results, drawing on Kulusevski’s comeback story while also managing the fitness of James Maddison, who is still recovering from an ACL injury.
Key facts
- Dejan Kulusevski has missed over 500 days due to a patella injury requiring two surgeries. (standard.co.uk)
- Kulusevski took part in an internal 11‑a‑side friendly during the international break and has returned to training. (standard.co.uk)
- Tottenham are winless after five Premier League games and sit at the bottom of the table. (standard.co.uk)
- Antonio De Zerbi wants to use Kulusevski as an inspirational example for the squad. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “How returning Spurs star can kickstart De Zerbi revolution”
