Kulusevski has been absent from competitive action since May 2025 because of a complicated kneecap injury. The Sweden international has recently resumed training and took part in an 11-a-side practice match during the international break, but was not included for last weekend’s draw with Manchester United.
Speaking to the media at Hotspur Way, De Zerbi confirmed the midfielder would be on the bench for Monday’s home fixture.
“Yes, the medical staff have given the ok. It’s probably the greatest news since the Everton game,” he said, according to the Evening Standard. “He has suffered too much. I told him yesterday and he had a big smile on his face.”
The return is welcome news for Spurs, although the manager also confirmed that Savio and Lucas Bergvall would miss the Coventry match. Savio suffered a muscular problem before the squad travelled to Marbella, while Bergvall developed knee pain after an early incident against Manchester United. De Zerbi expects the midfielder to be out for around two weeks.
Pedro Porro will also miss Monday’s game as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury, although De Zerbi suggested the right-back could be available for the following weekend’s meeting with Chelsea.
The manager was also asked about Richarlison, who has been left out of Tottenham’s Premier League squad after failing to secure a move away during the summer. The Brazilian recently shared a social media post endorsing criticism from former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson, who questioned why a player of Richarlison’s standing would be excluded unless there had been a serious incident.
Richarlison’s post included the message: “Thanks Duncan Ferguson, you are right.”
De Zerbi declined to reopen the matter with his focus fixed on Coventry.
“It’s not my problem any more. You have to ask Vinai or Johan. It’s not my problem,” he said. “I know as a coach I have to support and take responsibility even when it’s not my responsibility.”
He added that Richarlison could speak to him directly if he wished, but did not want to discuss the situation further.
“If he wants to speak to me he can find me in my office from 8.30am until the evening,” De Zerbi said. “But I don’t want to speak any more because my focus is on the Coventry game.”
For Tottenham, Kulusevski’s return offers a lift ahead of a match they need to win, but the absence of several other players leaves De Zerbi with further selection decisions to make.