The Tottenham midfielder missed 526 days after suffering a serious knee injury in the spring of 2025 and undergoing surgery that May. Rehabilitation setbacks delayed his return, but he has recently made his way back onto the pitch, featuring as a substitute for Tottenham before rejoining the national squad.
Burnley defender Hjalmar Ekdal has been encouraged by what he has seen from his compatriot, believing Kulusevski has already brought his familiar qualities back to the team.
“He looks really good,” Ekdal said, according to news agency TT.
“It’s the same Dejan. He drives this team forward, even if he’s not at his very best. But it’s incredibly fun to see him here and I actually have to say that he looks really good. He’s a leader both on and off the pitch, I think he defines this national team.”
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak also welcomed the return of a player he believes offers Sweden something different in attack.
“Dejan is a type of player we don’t have otherwise. It makes him unique in the team. There’s a lot of quality, we’ve seen that both here in the national team and at Tottenham. So it’s great for us that he’s back,” Isak said.
Kulusevski’s return gives Sweden another creative option as Graham Potter looks to strengthen the side’s attacking threat. His ability to carry the ball, create opportunities and influence matches has made him an important figure for club and country.
Isak acknowledged that Kulusevski’s availability also increases competition for places in the forward line.
“That’s true. But that’s a problem for Graham,” he said.
After such a prolonged spell out, Kulusevski will need time to regain full match sharpness, but the early impressions from his international team-mates are encouraging. Ekdal’s comments in particular suggest the midfielder’s leadership has remained intact despite his absence.
For Sweden, having him back in contention is a welcome boost as they look to build momentum under Potter.