Tottenham midfielder James Maddison is likely to miss the majority of the new season after the club confirmed he has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Maddison missed the end of the 2024-25 season with a knee injury but returned last month to take part in pre-season training under new head coach Thomas Frank.
England international Maddison continued his comeback by coming on as a substitute in the 1-1 draw against Newcastle in South Korea but collapsed in pain with no one around and was stretchered off in the 86th minute.
Spurs' worst fears have been confirmed as Maddison faces surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the coming days.
“We can confirm that James Maddison will undergo surgery to repair a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee,” the club said in a statement.
“The 28-year-old midfielder picked up the injury during our pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul on Sunday.
“The operation will take place in the coming days, after which James will begin rehabilitation under the supervision of our medical team.
“The whole of Tottenham Hotspur wishes James a full and speedy recovery. We will support him every step of the way.”
The news will come as a major blow to Tottenham manager Frank, who has already been overlooking his attacking midfield options with Dejan Kulusevski set to miss the start of the season after undergoing right kneecap surgery in May.
Kulusevski's ongoing rehabilitation meant Tottenham were looking to bring in a new No. 10 this summer despite Maddison's return last month.
Spurs failed to lure Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest in July and are now under increasing pressure to sign the attacking midfielder as soon as possible.
However, reports from Italy suggesting Tottenham have made an offer for Como playmaker Nick
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
