Nasty challenge on Dejan Kulusevski’s ankle warranted an apology this week

The international break always brings a fresh wave of panic every time a player steps onto the pitch, with Spurs fans dreading their star performers returning to Hotspur Way with an injury, and Dejan Kulusevski was seemingly pretty close to making that fear come true this week.

Kulusevski close to ankle injury

Sweden took on Estonia on Monday night, and ran away 3-0 winners to seal all three points in the Nations League tie, with two goals from Sebastian Nanasi and one from the prolific Tottenham transfer target, Viktor Gyokeres.

The game will have left Spurs star Dejan Kulusevski smiling after another great performance as captain for his country, but it could well have left him with an injury, too, after a close escape.

Speaking to the press (via FotbollSkanalen), Estonia defender Karol Mets discussed the moment he caused Kulusevski to roll around on the floor in pain.

He said: “It was just a normal duel. I slipped a bit and stepped on his ankle. I hope he is fine and that it was nothing serious.”

Mets picked up a yellow card for the challenge, but admitted he was relieved not to get a red, adding, “On a worse day it could even have been something else. So it was fair.”

Kulusevski himself commented on the situation, saying: “There was nothing bad that he wanted to do. I could play on.”

Starring role for Sweden skipper

On the night, Kulusevski bagged an assist for the third goal, and racked up some impressive statistics. Data from Fotmob shows the Spurs man created four chances, had 15 touches in the opposition box, and registered an 85% passing success rate.

This continues his impressive form at club level, where he has emerged as one of Ange Postecoglou‘s top performers since moving into a more central role.

One player Spurs cannot lose

It is a relief that Kulusevski doesn’t sound like he’s picked up an injury, as he is one player Spurs really need right now. His creative play is among the best in the league at the moment, and he is really making us tick in the attacking third.

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