Tottenham Hotspur have played in international action all over the globe but one star has been thrown into the centre of real drama.
The first international break of the season is already here.
This point in the season always feels frustrating; the new Premier League campaign has only just started and yet players are already away with their countries.
Tottenham Hotspur have a huge game straight after the international break as Arsenal visit in the first North London derby of the campaign.
Ange Postecoglou has lineup decisions to make for that game and will be hoping that everybody returns to Tottenham with no injury woes.
Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke are already injury concerns and Spurs boss Postecoglou will be praying for no more potential problems.
Tottenham Hotspur star embroiled in international drama
Tottenham players may already have one eye on Sunday’s clash but spare a thought for Dejan Kulusevski.
The Spurs wide man is on international duty with Sweden and has been given a real honour in this international period.
Captain Victor Lindelof isn’t involved for Sweden and Kulusevski has been given the armband in his absence.
Kulusevski skippered Sweden against Azerbaijan and Estonia, marking an incredibly proud week for him.
The problem is that Sweden have encountered problems between boss Jon Dahl Tomasson and midfielder Hugo Larsson.
Larsson was linked with Tottenham earlier this year having impressed for Eintracht Frankfurt.
Larsson feels that he should feature prominently for Sweden but boss Tomasson hasn’t been quite so convinced just yet.
The midfielder left Sweden’s training before Sunday’s clash with Estonia, with an injury disclosed as the official problem.
Some in Sweden aren’t so convinced though and the idea of a rift between Larsson and Tomasson has run wild in the Swedish press.
As captain, Kulusevski has been asked about the drama and told Sweden Herald that he felt his teammates handled the chaos well.
Kulusevski felt that the Sweden side focused on football and vowed to be there for both Tomasson and Larsson, rather than taking sides.
“I think we handled it really well. We went out and focused on playing football and having fun, that’s all we can do. We can’t think about what’s written in the media,” said Kulusevski.
“I’m here if he wants to talk. But Jon decides. If he (Larsson) wants my help, I’m here too, but I’ll never show why I’m captain by deciding over someone else. Everyone here is mature enough to make their own decisions,” he added.
Kulusevski praised as Postecoglou decision looms
Away from the off-field drama, Kulusevski has enjoyed the international break.
Not only has he captained his country, but Kulusevski has also been praised by the Swedish media for his performances.
Kulusevski will now return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and will hope to feature against Arsenal this weekend having hopefully put the stress of this Sweden drama to one side.
The Spurs ace put in two decent displays against Everton and Newcastle United whilst playing in midfield.
Postecoglou must now decide whether to go with that very attacking approach against a top side in Arsenal.
This may be a risk but Kulusevski and James Maddison could unlock the Gunners – especially with Declan Rice out injured.
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