More than 1,700 Tottenham supporters voted in a poll asking whether Dejan Kulusevski should start against Chelsea - here are the results

We asked Tottenham Hotspur fans to give us their thoughts on Dejan Kulusevski and if he should start against Chelsea on Saturday. Here's everything you need to know:

1. Dejan Kulusevski made his emotional return for Tottenham Hotspur as a late substitute against Coventry City. This match marked the 26-year-old attacking midfielder's first competitive appearance in 526 days.
2. Entering the pitch in the 87th minute, Kulusevski was greeted by overwhelming applause and cheers from the home crowd. The reaction highlighted how much Tottenham supporters missed his presence on the field.
3. His absence began in May 2025 after he suffered a knee issue initially described as a minor knock against Crystal Palace. That initial problem escalated into a severe 17-month spell on the sidelines.
4. Kulusevski required surgery on his right patella, which was initially met with multiple rehabilitation setbacks. A second surgical procedure performed in March 2026 finally allowed him to make significant progress toward full fitness.
5. Reflecting on his rehabilitation, the Swedish international shared that he had to work harder than anyone could imagine to overcome the ordeal. He admitted the journey felt nearly impossible at times, but unwavering belief kept him motivated to return.
6. Kulusevski expressed deep gratitude toward the fans for their continued support throughout his recovery. He declared his ambition to return as an even stronger player to help elevate the team's overall performances.
7. Head coach Roberto De Zerbi is now faced with deciding how quickly to reintegrate the attacker into the starting lineup. While having the Swedish star available is a major morale booster, managing his workload remains a critical concern.
8. With Tottenham scheduled to travel to face Chelsea on Saturday, debate has emerged over whether Kulusevski should start or be eased in off the bench. In a football.london poll, 23 per cent of the 1,778 fans who voted believed the Swede should start against the Blues. 69 per cent voted he shouldn't start, while 8 per cent said they were unsure.