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Tottenham midfielder James Maddison has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and is expected to miss the majority of the upcoming season.
The north London club confirmed today, Thursday 7th August that the 28-year-old will undergo surgery in the coming days, marking the start of a long-term rehabilitation process.
Maddison sustained the injury during Tottenham’s pre-season friendly against Newcastle United last weekend in Seoul, South Korea. He had only been on the pitch for a brief spell before hobbling off in clear discomfort.
His anguished expression and subsequent stretcher exit raised immediate concerns, which have now been confirmed.
James Maddison looked in real discomfort as he was stretchered off after being injured playing for Spurs against Newcastle
Speaking after the game, manager Thomas Frank revealed the injury affected the same knee that kept Maddison out of Tottenham’s Europa League final victory over Manchester United in May.
Upon returning from Asia on Monday, Maddison underwent a series of tests which confirmed the club’s worst fears — a ruptured ACL that will sideline one of their most important creative assets for a significant portion of the 2025/26 campaign.
Maddison had his head in his hands as he came off the pitch
A Bitter Blow for Maddison and Frank
Maddison, who joined Spurs from Leicester City in 2023, had a strong debut season, registering 12 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions. He also earned his seventh England cap in 2024, underlining his resurgence at the top level.
The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate for Thomas Frank, who is navigating his first season in charge of Spurs. The club has already had to contend with the departure of Heung Min-Son, and now face the additional setback of losing another key attacking presence.
Maddison’s injury occurred during what was meant to be a celebratory farewell game for Son in his homeland — a moment overshadowed by the midfielder’s distressing exit.
Transfer Market Pressures Mount
Spurs were already exploring the market for an attacking midfielder prior to Maddison’s injury, and his absence now makes reinforcements a top priority.
The club previously made a bold attempt to sign Morgan Gibbs-White by activating his £60 million release clause. However, Nottingham Forest blocked the move, reportedly threatening legal action before eventually securing the England international on a new contract.
That failed pursuit now looms larger, with Maddison’s injury sharpening Tottenham’s need for high-quality, creative depth. As Thomas Frank seeks to keep Spurs competitive on all fronts, the club is expected to reignite their search for midfield options.
Kudus a Possible Internal Solution – But Is It Enough?
New £55 million signing Mohammed Kudus, brought in from West Ham earlier this summer, offers a potential solution. Though primarily used in wide or forward roles, Kudus has experience playing centrally and could be deployed in a more advanced midfield position.
Additionally, Pape Matar Sarr has impressed in pre-season in a more attacking role, but the drop-off in experience and consistency compared to Maddison is significant.
With Dejan Kulusevski also recovering from knee surgery, Tottenham’s attacking depth is looking increasingly thin. The need to act in the transfer window is urgent, but with quality midfielders at a premium, Spurs face a costly and competitive market.
Outlook
Losing Maddison is not only a tactical blow — it’s an emotional one for both player and club. As Spurs regroup and assess their options, one thing is certain: their summer strategy must now change.
Thomas Frank’s ability to adapt — and Tottenham’s response in the transfer market — will be crucial in defining the club’s early-season trajectory.