Lucas Bergvall has given an encouraging update on Dejan Kulusevski's recovery, saying his Sweden teammate is performing "incredibly well" in training at Tottenham Hotspur and calling him "a real machine".
Kulusevski has been out of competitive action for more than 500 days, since sustaining a complex patella injury in his right knee during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace in May last year. Complications during his rehabilitation meant he missed the entirety of last season as well as this summer's FIFA World Cup.
The 26-year-old rejoined Roberto De Zerbi's full training squad on the final day of last month, though he briefly stepped back after a minor issue as his body adjusted to regular first-team sessions. According to football.london, he was back working with his Spurs teammates again last week.
Sweden manager Graham Potter chose not to call up Kulusevski for the current international window, allowing him to continue his progress at his own pace at Hotspur Way.
Bergvall's Praise
Speaking to Fotbollskanalen while on international duty, Bergvall said: "He is incredibly hungry and has done incredibly well. He is a real machine. We are all looking forward to having him back."
Asked whether Kulusevski could return for Tottenham soon, Bergvall added: "I absolutely think so. Then it's difficult for me to judge how he feels and how the club sees it. But it's clear that he's doing incredibly well in training and is making strides every day." If he keeps training without setbacks, he could potentially be included in a De Zerbi matchday squad in the weeks after the international break.
Ayari's Perspective
Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Yasin Ayari, a close friend of Kulusevski and in a relationship with his sister Sandra, also spoke about the winger's recovery this week.
"He's started training and is making progress. I'm happy for him, that he can come back and do what he loves. I just hope that things will go well when he's 100 percent. He's always been in shape and taken care of his body," Ayari said.
"It's mostly mental, to see how mentally strong he's been during this process. That he's managed to keep a smile on his face even when it's taken so long. There's always been setbacks, but he always wakes up happy."
He continued: "It's incredible how strong he's been on this journey. Not many people can wake up and keep fighting after going through this much. He keeps fighting and is happy at the same time. When it comes down to it, it's not normal. He's very strong mentally. I learn a lot from that."
Asked when Tottenham and Sweden fans might see Kulusevski back on the pitch, Ayari admitted he couldn't say for certain: "I don't know. I don't see him every day. Hopefully soon. We've all missed him in the national team. Hopefully soon. It's hard for me to say. I don't see him every day, I just talk to him. I hope soon. He's back on the training ground, so step by step we hope he'll be back. When he's back he'll be a 100 ."
