Dejan Kulusevski has disclosed that he rejected a proposed knee transplant procedure while recovering from a severe patella injury that sidelined him for 526 days. The 26-year-old suffered the career-threatening damage during a defeat to Crystal Palace in May 2025, an incident that subsequently kept him out of action for the entirety of the 2025/26 season. By declining the transplant, Kulusevski opted for a more conservative recovery path, prioritizing long-term joint health over a potential shortcut back to the pitch.
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The extended absence took a significant psychological toll on the midfielder, who admitted he feared he would never play football again. Kulusevski described the period as mentally draining, highlighting the uncertainty that plagued his rehabilitation. Despite the daunting prognosis, his determination to return drove his decision-making process, leading him to reject the high-risk surgical option in favor of a natural healing process that ultimately preserved his mobility and future playing career.
Kulusevski has now successfully reintegrated into the first team, making substitute appearances against Coventry, Crystal Palace, and Leeds United. His return marks the end of an 18-month hiatus that spanned the entire previous campaign and the start of the current one. As he rebuilds match fitness, Kulusevski’s resilience serves as a testament to his commitment to the sport, having navigated one of the most complex recovery journeys in recent Premier League history.
Source: The Independent Sport
