Tottenham Hotspur‘s preparations for the 2025-26 season have suffered a major setback following confirmation that James Maddison has sustained a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury. The 28-year-old midfielder, a crucial creative force for the North London club, is expected to miss most of the upcoming campaign after damaging his knee during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in South Korea.
The injury occurred in what had been an otherwise routine exhibition match, which ultimately finished level. Maddison was forced to withdraw from the contest after experiencing discomfort in his knee—the same joint that had previously sidelined him during Tottenham’s Europa League final victory in May. Upon returning to England, medical assessments confirmed the worst fears: the England international requires surgery to repair the torn ligament.
Long road to recovery ahead for Maddison
ACL injuries typically require an extensive rehabilitation period, with recovery timelines ranging between six to nine months. Given the timing of Maddison’s setback, it is highly unlikely he will feature prominently for Spurs this season, leaving manager Thomas Frank with a significant void to fill in midfield.
Potential replacements and tactical adjustments
With Maddison sidelined, Tottenham may turn to recent signing Mohammed Kudus as a temporary solution. The Ghanaian international, who arrived from West Ham United this summer, has experience operating in central attacking roles and could be deployed in Maddison’s position. However, the severity of the injury may force Spurs to explore additional transfer market options to compensate for the loss of their star playmaker.
For Maddison, the focus now shifts to recovery, with hopes that he can return to full fitness in time for the latter stages of the season. In the meantime, Tottenham must quickly adapt to life without one of their most influential players—a challenge that could define their campaign.
