Maddison suffers serious injury

 

WORRYING SCENES: MADDISON STRETCHERED OFF IN TEARS AFTER DEVASTATING KNOCK

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that midfielder James Maddison will miss a significant portion of the 2025/26 season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. The 28-year-old playmaker picked up the injury during Spurs' pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul and will undergo surgery in the coming days.

The setback is a major blow for both Maddison and Spurs. The England international had to be stretchered off after going down awkwardly, and was later seen leaving the stadium on crutches. Spurs released a statement confirming the severity of the injury and outlining the next steps.

“James Maddison will undergo surgery for a ruptured ACL in his right knee. He sustained the injury during our pre-season friendly against Newcastle United. Surgery will take place in the coming days, after which James will begin his rehabilitation with our medical team. Everyone at the club wishes him a full and speedy recovery,” the club said.

Spurs manager Thomas Frank expressed his disappointment following the match, revealing that the injury affected the same knee that had previously kept Maddison out of May’s Europa League final.

“It’s heartbreaking for Madders. Life and football can be brutal sometimes. We’re fairly sure it’s the same knee he injured before. It didn’t look good,” Frank admitted.

Maddison’s recovery timeline is uncertain, but comparisons have been made to Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who was sidelined for eight months with a similar injury last season.

The timing of the injury could also jeopardize Maddison’s hopes of returning to the England setup ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The creative midfielder has earned seven caps for the national team but hasn’t featured since Thomas Tuchel took charge. A strong season could have reopened that door — but now that opportunity may be on hold.