Roberto De Zerbi is extremely confident in Dejan Kulusevski’s ability but does not want to hurry him back onto the pitch after a lengthy layoff.

Kulusevski has not played for Tottenham since the end of the 2024-25 season when he suffered a right patella injury in an innocuous challenge against Crystal Palace.

He has since spent 15 months on the sidelines, having suffered multiple setbacks that meant he missed all of last season and the World Cup this summer.

Kulusevski, who has made 146 appearances and netted 25 goals for Spurs since initially joining on loan in January 2022, is not yet back in first-team training but has been seen back on the grass with a ball.

It has been a long road back for the Swede, with his latest procedure in March putting him on course for his comeback, but De Zerbi is hesitant to put a date on his return.

“Kulusevski, fit and right, he’s one of the best players we have in the squad,” De Zerbi told British media.

“I wouldn’t like to put too much pressure on him to accelerate the process of rehab, but I hope he can be available as early as possible.”

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There have also been questions over Spurs’ goalkeeping position, with Guglielmo Vicario reportedly seeking a move away.

De Zerbi has confirmed he plans to use Antonin Kinsky as his number one for the upcoming season, having featured both players during Spurs’ pre-season.

“We start with Kinsky because he deserves to be the first-choice goalkeeper,” De Zerbi added.

“He is another player with huge potential. He’s mature, has personality, and I believe in his qualities.”