Dejan Kulusevski has assured fans that he expects to be back in action in time for this summer’s World Cup.
The Tottenham midfielder also revealed that he is in good spirits despite spending almost a year on the sidelines.
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The Sweden international underwent surgery after injuring his left knee last May.
He was expected to be back in action in September but suffered a couple of setbacks in his recovery.
Kulusevski was seen limping during a trip to Spain this week where he met up with his international teammates ahead of Thursday’s World Cup play-off semi-final victory over Ukraine.
The 25-year-old later revealed that the limp derived from undergoing minor surgery to clean out his knee.
He also reassured fans that he was ‘feeling great’ in an Instagram post.
Addressing the concerns
Prior to Sweden’s 3-1 win over Ukraine in Valencia, the Tottenham star revealed that he is closing in on a return to action after a brutal 10 months in the treatment room.
“I understand that people were worried, but it was really for the wrong reason,” he told Viaplay.
“It was really positive that I did this little procedure and that we were able to find the problem. Now everything should be solved. Now it’s just a matter of slowly and surely coming back.
“I can see the light,” he added. “It feels better now. I really have a positive feeling about these two important matches [for Sweden] and a World Cup in two or three months.
“This is how the book and the chapter will end. I am convinced of that.”
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Pressed on whether he can see himself being ready in time for the World Cup, Kulusevski says he is confident he will be ready to join his compatriots in North America in June.
“One hundred percent, yes, “ he said. “That (the World Cup) is the driving force I have.
“To have that opportunity is absolutely fantastic. It’s a challenge that I haven’t been able to overcome so far in terms of getting healthy, but it’s not over yet. Now the second game starts.
“I did everything I could to be ready to play today (vs Ukraine). It didn’t work. Maybe for things you won’t even find out about, but at the end of the day, God decides. I’m very confident with where I am today.”
Kulusevski then provided a further insight into his overall wellbeing claiming that he is in a good place before vowing to return to the pitch stronger than ever,
“I don’t want people to be worried about me,” he added. “I’ve never felt better in my life. I feel a lot stronger now.
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“I hear people wondering if I’ll be the same player when I come back. No, I’ll be a lot stronger, a lot better, a lot smarter and better for my teammates.”
The perfect ending?
And on his plans for this summer’s World Cup, Kulusevski said: “That’s how it has to end. Otherwise, it hasn’t gone as I planned.
“I’m absolutely convinced that we’ll win these two games and I’ll be ready to play and play my first World Cup in the USA. That’s how the movie will end, God willing.”
