Dejan Kulusevski is set to miss the next four Tottenham matches due to a foot injury, with manager Ange Postecoglou confirming the Swedish international can no longer continue playing through the discomfort. The 24-year-old has been managing the issue for weeks but has now been ruled out of action for the rest of the month.
He was left out of the squad for Tottenham’s Europa League match against AZ on Thursday night and will also be unavailable for the second leg in North London. His absence extends to crucial Premier League fixtures against Bournemouth and Fulham in the next two weeks, further limiting Spurs’ attacking options.
Postecoglou expects Kulusevski to return after the international break, assuring fans that the injury is not severe or requiring surgery. Despite training and playing through pain recently, the decision was made to let him fully recover rather than risk further aggravation.
Meanwhile, Spurs have received positive news on other injury fronts, with Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Dominic Solanke all potentially available for the AZ clash. While their exact level of involvement remains uncertain, Postecoglou confirmed they have been training well and will be assessed before the match.
The Spurs manager emphasized the importance of getting key players back on the pitch, noting that recent returns like Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, Wilson Odobert, and James Maddison have already made a significant impact. He believes the latest returning players will also play a crucial role in the coming weeks.
AZ secured their place in the Europa League last 16 by defeating Galatasaray in the knockout play-offs. However, they enter this tie after a weekend loss to Heerenveen, which has left them sitting sixth in the Eredivisie.
As Spurs continue their European campaign and push for domestic improvement, managing injuries will be key. The return of several players could provide a much-needed boost, while Kulusevski’s absence adds another challenge to their already demanding fixture schedule.
Tottenham, on the other hand, comes into the fixture following a defeat against Manchester City, leaving them in 13th place in the Premier League. With both teams struggling for form, the upcoming matches will be crucial in their respective seasons.