Dejan Kulusevski has revealed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent him a concise “Bravo” text message following his return to professional football after a 526-day injury layoff.
Efter att ha drabbats av en svår knäskada hade Dejan Kulusevski inte spelat någon landskamp sedan den 19 november 2024, enligt uppgifter i media. His absence spanned nearly a year and a half, a period that required specialized medical intervention to ensure a successful return to high-intensity competition.
During this period, a photograph emerged in Belgrade showing Kulusevski sitting barefoot on a park bench alongside rapper 1.Cuz and Zlatan’s son Maximilian Ibrahimovic, captured while the player was visiting the medical specialist.
- Dejan Kulusevskis reintegration into the Tottenham lineup and the national squad follows a long period of absence due to injury.
While many expected lengthy messages of support, Kulusevski noted that Ibrahimovic’s communication style remained characteristically brief. Following the winger’s comeback in mid-October, Kulusevski told SVT Nyheter that while others sent long congratulatory notes, Ibrahimovic sent only a single word: “Bravo.”
Beyond the brief text, Ibrahimovic played a functional role in the winger’s recovery. Kulusevski revealed that Ibrahimovic and Ivan Perisic encouraged him to seek specialized treatment in Serbia.
“He and (Ivan) Perisic wanted me to go there,” Kulusevski stated, according to SVT Nyheter. The player emphasized that the specialist’s advice to avoid further surgeries was vital, noting, “I needed someone by my side who said that it would work.” He further described Ibrahimovic as humble and helpful, stating, “Zlatan is the best. Everyone thinks he’s arrogant and has that whole image, but he’s more humble than anyone else.”
As the Swedish squad prepares for Nations League clashes against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday and Poland next Tuesday, the management of Kulusevski’s minutes is a primary concern. Graham Potter has maintained a cautious approach, coordinating closely with Tottenham Hotspur to prevent any setbacks.
During training in Valencia, where eleven outfield players participated in the full session, Kulusevski appeared physically sharp. Expressen reported that he participated in small-sided games and showed high levels of engagement. In a behind-the-scenes video published by the football association, Kulusevski joked about playing a half before confirming to Expressen that the current plan is for him to play approximately 30 minutes of each match.
| Metric/Detail | Status/Value |
|---|---|
| Days Absent due to Injury | 526 Days |
| Last National Team Appearance | November 19, 2024 |
| Projected Minutes (vs Bosnia) | ~30 Minutes |
| Next Match Date | November 14, 2026 |
The return of Kulusevski alters the dynamic of the Swedish attack. Graham Potter noted that the winger’s ability to move and run well has been evident in training, though he emphasized the necessity of match rhythm. Sydsvenskan reported that Potter is working in direct dialogue with the Tottenham coaching staff to monitor the player’s physical load.
A victory on Saturday would secure Sweden’s promotion to the Nations League A-division.
While the winger’s personality and quality are expected to bolster the squad, the immediate focus remains on his physical durability. The question remains whether Kulusevski can transition from a 30-minute impact player back to a 90-minute starter before the conclusion of the Nations League cycle.
