Kulusevski says he is ‘a little bit smarter’ after Tottenham return; Poyet urges patience

Dejan Kulusevski returned for Tottenham as an 86th-minute substitute in their 3-1 home win over Coventry on 19 October, making his first appearance since May 2025. After 526 days out with a knee injury, the Sweden winger said the experience had changed him; former Spurs player Gus Poyet said he should be given time to regain his form.

The appearance marked a step beyond Kulusevski’s expected place in the squad before the match. Tottenham also recorded their first Premier League win of the season, with James Maddison scoring the opener on his first start since May 2025.

What Kulusevski said after his Tottenham return

Kulusevski said he had been ready to play the minutes he was given and wanted to make an impact. ESPN reported that Tottenham supporters gave him a strong reception during his warm-up and when he entered the match. He said he was happy the team had won.

Why Gus Poyet favors a gradual return

Poyet told GOAL that Kulusevski’s return to his previous level would take time. With other attacking players available to Tottenham, Poyet said, ‘He can take his time to get back slowly.’ His comments were made in association with Gambling.com. The view was Poyet’s, rather than an announced plan for Kulusevski’s playing time.

Poyet drew on his own experience of being pushed back into a team after injury because other midfielders were unavailable. He said Kulusevski’s return would be a mental boost over the coming months. How prominently the winger features in Tottenham’s next matches remains unclear.

Maddison, who has also returned from a lengthy injury absence, said he felt proud watching Kulusevski step onto the pitch because he understood that moment. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi said the two returning players brought ‘another atmosphere’ to the dressing room.