Sweden boss Graham Potter has shed light on Dejan Kulusevski’s rehabilitation after leaving the Tottenham star out of the World Cup squad.
The attacking midfielder has now been sidelined for a year, with no return date yet set for the 26-year-old.
Kulusevski had set his sights on being fit for this summer’s World Cup, stating confidently at the start of last month that he bets on himself to feature in the tournament.
However, Kulusevski’s World Cup dream is now over as he has been left out of Sweden’s 26-man squad for the tournament.
Graham Potter admits it was a difficult decision to leave out Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski
The Sweden boss revealed that he carefully considered his decision regarding the former Juventus star, having closely followed his progress through his rehab.
Potter told Aftonbladet (as relayed by Sport Witness) about leaving the Spurs star out of his squad: “These are tough decisions to make when you take the team to a World Cup. I have not taken the task lightly. The decisions are based on a number of things. You can look at it in so many different ways.
“With Dejan, it was a difficult decision considering where he is and what he has done with his rehab recently. We are a month away from the premiere and it is difficult to know if he will be where we want him.”
Potter admitted that the Tottenham man was desperate to be at the World Cup and revealed how he reacted to his decision.
The Sweden boss is quoted as saying to Fotboll Skanalen (via Sport Witness): “It is a very difficult decision. It’s about where he is and his last year. It would be very difficult for him to get to where he needs to be (for games). I’ve had many conversations with Dejan. It’s important to have his perspective. He’s desperate to get to the World Cup.
“But as a coach you have to make a decision in the end. What does it look like? What kind of impact can the players make? For the team? I felt in my gut that it was right for us and for him. But it’s tough to realize that. He wants to be there and he wants to play. He’s a professional. He accepts it. But it’s very difficult. A World Cup doesn’t happen often. I have to respect that.”
Why missing the World Cup could be a blessing in disguise for Kulusevski
Having been out of action so long, rushing back for the World Cup may have done Kulusevski more harm than good.
After being left out of the squad, he now has around three months to recover fully and build up his fitness ahead of the start of next season.
De Zerbi has confessed that he is a big fan of Kulusevski, and the attacking midfielder will be setting his sights on becoming a key player in the Italian’s set-up.
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