Kulusevski misses speeding hearing because he was in Spurs training, leaving magistrates baffled

Dejan Kulusevski’s speeding sentencing hearing was adjourned at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Monday after the Tottenham winger sent an email explaining he could not attend because he was in training with Spurs.

Magistrates were left uncertain how to proceed after the email failed to make clear whether Kulusevski wanted the case heard in his absence or postponed. Presiding magistrate Mary Miller said it was “not clear from the email” what the 26-year-old wished to happen, and an adjournment was granted until 19 October.

Kulusevski was caught driving at 43mph in a 30mph zone last year. He has accepted the speeding offence but argued that most of his violations involve him travelling only marginally over the limit. The Sweden international already carries 18 points on his licence and noted in his email that his young family depends on him to drive — a significant factor given he faces a potential ban.

Off the pitch, Kulusevski is closing in on a return to action after more than a year out with a complicated knee injury. His last appearance came in May 2025, a 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, meaning he missed the entirety of last season and the summer’s World Cup. He has since returned to full training with his Spurs teammates but was not included in the Sweden squad for the current international break as he continues his rehabilitation.

Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi offered an update on the winger’s progress ahead of last weekend’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa. “We have to manage Deki in the best way we can, with the medical staff, physical staff,” De Zerbi said. “But it’s a great thing for us because he’s a good player, he’s a good guy. He deserves to play again.”

De Zerbi added: “Also, for Deki, it’s important the international break, because when he will be at the top of condition and pass over the injury, I think it’s a great signing, a new signing for us, another new signing.”

Spurs return to Premier League action after the international break when they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Saturday, 10 October. The club currently sit bottom of the Premier League table and will be eager to arrest their poor run of form.