Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte has admitted he fears Dejan Kulusevski could be out injured until the World Cup break in a significant blow. Kulusevski was initially expected to return against Everton last Saturday but now faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
Tottenham host Newcastle United in north London on Sunday as they look to bounce back from an uninspiring 2-0 defeat at Manchester United in midweek. And when asked for an injury update, Conte provided worrying news about Kulusevski, suggesting he could be unavailable for Spurs’ remaining seven games this month and next.
He told reporters: “[Dejan] Kulusevski is not available. I think we have to wait a bit of time to see him with us. Yeah [I’m worried he’ll be absent until after the World Cup]. His recovery was going well, and then one day, the situation worsened.
“When this happens, you have to restart. You need time. You need time. We have the medical department to face injury situations, and they have to face it in a short period. If you are good at solving it in a quick way, then it can mean points.”
JUST IN: Chelsea boss Potter names four Man Utd dangermen ahead of PL clash
Kulusevski hasn’t featured for Tottenham since the 6-2 win against Leicester City in September before the latest international break. His expected return against Everton was viewed as a boost to Spurs’ apparent title challenge, but emotions regarding his situation couldn’t be more contrasting a week later.
The 22-year-old winger has been a regular in Conte’s attack since joining from Juventus in January and has registered one goal and three assists in seven Premier League games this season. He will be well rested after the World Cup break due to Sweden’s failure to qualify for next month’s tournament in Qatar.
READ MORE: Jamie Carragher launches stinging Man City attack – ‘Paranoid’
Kulusevski could be eyeing a comeback in Tottenham’s Boxing Day trip to Brentford, but an absence until then will be a tough pill to swallow for Conte, especially after he planned for his return last week. Richarlison is also still unavailable for this weekend’s game against Newcastle, leaving the same options as at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Lucas Moura’s return to fitness is somewhat of a positive to take, while Bryan Gil has been another stalwart of the Tottenham bench this season. But if Spurs produce a performance in the same ilk as their showing against United when Newcastle come to town, the craving for Kulusevski or Richarlison’s return will only intensify.
WIN A FREE ENGLAND SHIRT FOR THE WORLD CUP!
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Football News Click Here
