Dejan Kulusevski has revealed how a "change to my nervous system" enabled him to return with Tottenham after a 17-month injury layoff left him fearing the end of his football career.

The Swedish midfielder was introduced to a rapturous reception in the 87th minute of the club's 3-1 home victory against Coventry last week and followed that up with another substitute appearance in Saturday's win at Chelsea as Spurs continued their improvement after a poor start to the Premier League season.

Kulusevski had multiple setbacks after knee surgery in May 2025. But a second procedure in March finally set him on the road to recovery.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Dejan Kulusevski has opened up about his grueling recovery from a severe leg injury, revealing that he spent over a year unable to walk down stairs normally while fearing his career might be over.

The breakthrough came when he sought specialized treatment in Sweden, where a physiotherapist targeted his nervous system.

Immediately after the initial session, Kulusevski experienced a dramatic reduction in pain, prompting an emotional moment with his wife where he declared his comeback was finally underway.

Once he regained neuromuscular control of his leg, the former Juventus star embarked on an intensive summer training program to rebuild his strength.

Despite initial limping and residual discomfort, his condition improved rapidly, allowing him to transition from facing a potentially career-ending diagnosis to returning to top-level football within just a few weeks.

Kulusevski also credited Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi for fueling his revival, praising the Italian manager as a special figure whose presence at the club has brought renewed inspiration to his game.