Fit and in shape, Kulusevski is an important piece in the national team build-up that will soon have to show that it has what it takes to reach the World Championship finals in North America next summer. But right now, not much suggests that Kulusevski will play a single minute in the qualifying matches at home and away against Slovenia, Kosovo, and Switzerland in the coming months.
Kulusevski's knee injury at the end of last season required surgery and the rehabilitation process is long.
Shows team spirit
He wants to do everything to reach the World Championship and help the team. It says a lot about his character, but also about the spirit of the team. He will be a part of the team throughout the period, says Dahl Tomasson.
The offensive midfielder is on the plane to both Ljubljana and Pristina, where the national team starts the qualifying matches on Friday and on Monday next week.
Dejan Kulusevski can do his rehabilitation training during the national team gatherings, where he has access to highly qualified medical expertise.
The initiative to be part of the national team despite the injury came from him himself.
Dejan asked me if he could be with us and I said of course you can. Everyone who has heard it has reacted with a "wow", says Dahl Tomasson.
"Nice and damn big"
Hjalmar Ekdal:
It says a lot about his character that he is here as a leader but is one of the players. He is naturally closer to us players, of course. It's nice and damn big.
It means a lot that he is here. It also means that he has a great commitment and is enthusiastic. He is passionate about this.
Ken Sema:
He comes in with energy. He gives us a lot of positivity. He is also a close friend of mine. It's fun to see him again. He shows that he is a leader who wants to help the team. We need all the help we can get. It's only positive.
Kulusevski has played 45 international matches and scored five goals. He has acted as captain on a few occasions.
