A return timeline for Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski has finally been revealed, with an end to his 500‑day absence since first being sidelined in May 2025 now drawing near.It has been 500 days since Dejan Kulusevski suffered his knee injury on 11 May 2025 following a challenge from then Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.Spurs went on to lose that match 2-0, but at the time former manager Ange Postecoglou suggested the injury was not too serious. That proved far from the case, as Kulusevski underwent patella surgery later that month and missed the Europa League final, despite initial hopes of returning before the end of 2025.What was expected to be a short lay-off has since stretched into more than a year, making this the longest absence of the Swede’s career.Dejan Kulusevski Injury RecordSeasonInjuryFromUntilDaysGames missed25/26Knee surgery12/05/202506/09/20264835924/25Foot injury03/03/202510/04/202539623/24Ill10/01/202416/01/20247222/23Thigh problems29/09/202205/11/2022381021/22Surgery07/12/202115/12/20219220/21Coronavirus08/06/202115/06/20218119/20Adductor pain11/02/202020/02/202010119/20Left hip flexor problems27/01/202007/02/2020121Credit: @thefrederikkejensen / InstagramTottenham handed Dejan Kulusevski injury boostKulusevski has remained resilient throughout his recovery, which included another surgery earlier this year following a setback. Now, there finally appears to be good news on the injury front.According to The Sun, after 500 days out, Kulusevski is close to a return and could soon be included in a Premier League matchday squad.Roberto De Zerbi made the bold decision to include three long‑term injury absentees – Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, and Dejan Kulusevski – in his 25‑man Premier League squad, while leaving out Richarlison. This strongly suggests the manager is anticipating each of those stars to return at some point this season.The clash against Manchester United is now being tipped as a possible first involvement for the Swede. If that comes too soon, his return is expected within the next three or four games, barring any setbacks.That means Spurs can expect Kulusevski to be involved in one of their matches against:Saturday, October 10 – Manchester United (A) – 17:30Monday, October 19 – Coventry City (H) – 20:00Saturday, October 24 – Chelsea (A) – 17:30Saturday, October 31– Crystal Palace (H) – 17:30Saturday, November 7 – Leeds United (A) – 12:30This is significant news for Tottenham, who have sorely missed the midfielder’s creativity and goalscoring ability over the past two seasons.Spurs desperate for Kulusevski’s qualitiesKulusevski was immense for Spurs in the 2024-25 season, reaching double figures for both goals and assists in all competitions. He finished with 10 goals and 11 assists in 51 appearances – his best return in a Tottenham shirt.But his impact has never been just about numbers. Kulusevski is a pressing machine, helping Spurs apply pressure high up the pitch – a skill Ange Postecoglou relied on heavily during his time in north London.His versatility is also key, with the ability to play across midfield and on the wings. His ball-carrying from deep often relieves pressure and drives Spurs forward, qualities that have been sorely missed during his absence.Kulusevski has since returned to first-team training, and in clips shared by Spurs Web, he looked sharp, dribbling confidently with the ball.One more step on the road to recovery for Deki and Mo 💪 pic.twitter.com/uj0AoeycTw— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 5, 2026There was faint hope the midfielder might feature for Sweden during the international break, but that came too soon. Tottenham will now be hoping that after such a long lay-off, Kulusevski avoids further setbacks and can play a pivotal role in improving their fortunes on the pitch.READ MORE: How Tottenham’s £400m summer spree may have cost them a huge 40% goal threatThe post Tottenham could enjoy a shock injury return against Manchester United appeared first on Spurs Web.