Dejan Kulusevski rejected knee transplant and key Zlatan Ibrahimovic advice changed everything in injury hell

Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski revealed he rejected a knee transplant after spending more than 500 days sidelined with severe patella and cartilage damage. Following two failed operations, doctors suggested a transplant that carried a potential 18-month layoff with no guarantees. Kulusevski declined the procedure, opting instead to follow advice from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ivan Perisic to consult a specialist in Serbia.

The 26-year-old worked closely with medical experts on his nervous system and rehabilitation before returning to action against Coventry City on October 19. Kulusevski admitted he previously feared his career was over and had to prepare his family, but he has since made multiple substitute appearances for Spurs.