Former Sweden and Arsenal midfielder Anders Limpar has lifted the lid on Dejan Kulusevski’s rehabilitation and has revealed his hope for the Tottenham star.
The Tottenham midfielder has been out of action for over a year with a knee injury, and there is no indication that he is close to a return to action.
Kulusevski initially set his objective as being fit for this summer’s World Cup, but the 26-year-old has not recovered in time for the tournament.
The Tottenham attacker has started jogging outdoors recently, which would give Spurs supporters some hope that he could return for the start of next season.
Anders Limpar says Tottenham star Dejan Kulusevski has a key role at the World Cup
Limpar admitted that it is a bitter blow for the Scandinavian country to be going into the tournament without Kulusevski.
The former Arsenal man spoke highly of the 26-year-old’s leadership qualities, and suggested that the Spurs star will have a key role to play in North America this summer despite not being able to make it onto the pitch.
Limpar told Betano Online Casino: “The biggest loss is not having Dejan Kulusevski. He’s the best player in Sweden, but he’s had dreadful injuries and operations and is struggling now. We were actually hoping he’d be semi-fit, perhaps able to come in for 15 or 20 minutes from the bench, as he can make the difference. It’s a big, big blow for Sweden and the World Cup team that Dejan is not there.
“Everyone here in Sweden knows he’s a tremendous character among the players. He’s a captain in my sense. The Swedish players need Dejan around them in the dressing room. He’s really good there, and he’s even better as a football player. So, it’s a major blow for Sweden that he’s not playing.”
Limpar praying that Kulusevski can play football again
When asked if Kulusevski will play football again, Sweden’s team doctor has responded with “I hope so”, which is not a statement that will fill Tottenham fans with confidence.
Doctors are reportedly finding the attacking midfielder’s cartilage injury hard to treat, and Limpar admitted that he is praying that the former Juventus man can make a full recovery.
When asked about Kulusevski’s injury, the 60-year-old said: “I’m praying for him to be able to play in the future because this injury has been going on for over a year and a half, which is not normal.
“Even a crucial ligament injury takes nine months, but this has been a year and a half with two operations, another operation in his knee. Please God, I hope he can still play. That’s what I’m worried about: please get him back on the pitch.”