The timing of Dejan Kulusevski's eagerly anticipated return to action was a stroke of genius from Roberto De Zerbi.
His team weren't quite in cling-on mode in the dying embers against Coventry City, having restored their advantage through Omar Marmoush's first goal for the club. This was a match Spurs desperately needed to win, and one lapse may well have converted three points into a miserable one.
Tension was rife inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the clocked ticked down. Many wondered whether Kulusevski would get the call. It was his first time back in the matchday squad, and although it was clear that the Swede wasn't playing a cheerleader role like James Maddison did down the stretch last season, De Zerbi also didn't need to use him. The stakes were high.
But the Italian did turn to Kulusevski with three minutes to play, drawing a massive reception. From then on, the tension eased. Supporters were more concerned about cheering the returning playmaker's every touch rather than fretting over a Coventry equaliser. Our goal advantage doubled in stoppage time thanks to Ben Davies.
Kulusevski was similarly limited at Stamford Bridge, and in truth, this is how it should be for a little while.
De Zerbi certainly isn't taking any risks with the 26-year-old, saying the club must take care of him like a "diamond" after the win at Chelsea.
It'd be easy for us to get carried away after such a long spell out, but what realistic expectations can we set for Kulusevski this season?
It's not just Tottenham who are thrilled to have him back, the Swedish national team are in a joyous mood, too. Kulusevski's absence was hard-felt at the World Cup, and there in the midst of a rather exciting project with Graham Potter at the helm.
Former Sweden international Anders Limpar, once of Arsenal, even feared that Kulusevski would retire, so is grateful for the playmaker's resilience.
"It's going to take a while [for Kulusevski to rediscover his best form] because it's so hard being out that amount of time, and then to suddenly come in and dominate the Premier League as he did when he was fit," the 61-year-old told PariuriX.com . "If he starts to practice now, I can assure you that he's going to be really good for Tottenham from next autumn."
Limpar suggested that despite returning in October, that the 2026/27 season will almost be a write off for Kulusevski. "If he can play some good reserve games and then have good training sessions, we can look for him to start a game in maybe March or April. Maybe he can play the last couple of games for Spurs, and then have a really good pre-season and then go for the next season," he said.
I appreciate the need for caution, but that may be too much care. If he's playing albeit small roles off the bench now, I find it hard to believe that his first start won't come until March.
My money is on before Christmas.
This article was originally published on www.hotspurhq.com as Roberto De Zerbi receives Dejan Kulusevski warning after much-celebrated return .
