Dejan Kulusevski delivers an emotional injury update after being sidelined for 325 days through injury.

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur star Dejan Kulusevski has delivered a heartbreaking injury update after Sweden sealed qualification for the World Cup.

Despite not winning any of their European qualifying matches, Sweden defied expectations by beating Poland 3-2 to book their place at the tournament in North America this summer.

With key players such as Liverpool’s Alexander Isak and Spurs’ Kulusevski both sidelined through injury, it was Anthony Elanga, Gustaf Lagerbielke, and Viktor Lindelöf who stepped up and got on the scoresheet. Sweden will head into the World Cup in Group F, where they will face Tunisia, the Netherlands, and Japan, with their opening match against Tunisia scheduled for June 15 at 03:00.

There is optimism that Isak could recover in time for the tournament, but Kulusevski admitted after the victory that his own situation remains uncertain and a return may still come too soon.

Speaking to Viaplay after the match, the 25-year-old expressed his determination to regain full fitness but acknowledged the difficult journey ahead.

He said: “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. And we are not just going there to participate. Sweden will aim to be one of the best. 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. Brazil, France, whoever they are. That’s why I’m on this planet. To give faith and love to my people.”

As Sweden celebrated qualification, Kulusevski was visibly emotional, struggling to hold back tears while watching his team secure their second World Cup appearance in the last 16 years.

The forward has not played for club or country since undergoing patella surgery in May last year, and only three weeks ago he had another minor procedure to clean up his knee. However, he insists the operation was necessary and believes it will ultimately aid his recovery rather than hinder it.

In another interview via Football London, he added: “I understand that people were worried, but it was actually for the wrong reason. It was really positive to undergo this small operation and be able to identify the problem. Now everything should be sorted out. Maybe because of things that won’t be known because, at the end of the day, it’s only God who decides and no one else.”