Tottenham Hotspur's star midfielder James Maddison has suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, as confirmed by senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel via BBC Sport.
The injury, sustained during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul, South Korea, on August 3, 2025, could sideline the 28-year-old for the entirety of the 2025-26 Premier League season, dealing a significant blow to Spurs' ambitions under new head coach Thomas Frank.
Exc: Tottenham midfielder James Maddison suffers ACL injury and requires surgery. The attacker sustained the blow in the weekend friendly versus Newcastle. Maddison now expected to miss majority of the new season. https://t.co/r0HO4oL0td
— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel_BBC) August 7, 2025
The Incident
Maddison, who had only recently returned from a knee injury that ruled him out of the latter stages of the 2024-25 season, including Tottenham’s Europa League final triumph, came off the bench in the 75th minute of the 1-1 draw with Newcastle. Just nine minutes later, the England international collapsed in agony after a non-contact incident while pressing an opponent, clutching his right knee. He was stretchered off the pitch, visibly distraught, with his hands covering his face, as teammates, including departing captain Son Heung-min, looked on in horror. Maddison was later seen leaving the stadium on crutches, sparking immediate fears of a serious injury.
Post-match, Thomas Frank described the injury as “brutal” and confirmed it affected the same knee Maddison had injured previously, raising concerns about the severity of the setback. A club source later informed Sports Mole that Maddison had indeed suffered an ACL injury, a diagnosis that aligns with the non-contact mechanism described by experts, such as Physio Scout, who noted the injury’s association with a pivot shift, commonly linked to ACL tears.
Recovery Timeline and Implications
According to football injury expert Dr. Rajpal Brar, speaking exclusively to Tottenham Hotspur News, an ACL rupture could keep Maddison sidelined for nine months or more, with a full return to pre-injury levels potentially taking up to 18 months. While a milder injury, such as a bone bruise or meniscus damage, could see him return in weeks or months, the reaction of Maddison and his teammates, coupled with Frank’s comments, suggests a worst-case scenario. If confirmed as a full ACL tear, Maddison may not return until mid-to-late 2026, missing the entire 2025-26 season.
However, there is some hope for a shorter recovery. For instance, Manchester City’s Rodri returned from an ACL injury in under a year, though such cases are exceptional. A partial tear could see Maddison back by December 2025, but the visible distress and early reports lean toward a more severe outcome. Tottenham are still awaiting an official diagnosis and recovery timeline, but the club is already bracing for a significant absence.
Impact on Tottenham
Maddison’s injury is a major setback for Tottenham, who are already grappling with other absences. Dejan Kulusevski, another key creative force, is recovering from knee surgery and will miss the start of the season, while Son Heung-min’s departure has left a void in the squad. Maddison, who contributed nine goals and seven assists in the Premier League last season, is a central figure in Spurs’ attacking setup, known for his chance creation, ball progression, and ability to score from range. His absence leaves Tottenham short in the attacking midfield role, with youngsters like Lucas Bergvall and Alfie Devine as potential stand-ins, though neither has Maddison’s experience or proven quality.
In response, Tottenham have reportedly made inquiries about Manchester City’s Jack Grealish as a potential replacement, while a move for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was thwarted after he signed a new contract. The club’s transfer plans, already focused on reinforcing the attacking midfield, are now under increased urgency with the Premier League season and a Super Cup clash against PSG looming.
Maddison’s Injury History
Maddison’s career at Tottenham has been marred by injuries, with the midfielder missing nearly 25% of his competitive matches since joining from Leicester City in 2023. Last season, he suffered a knee injury against Bodoe/Glimt in the Europa League, which ruled him out for three months and forced him to miss the final. Earlier in his Spurs tenure, an ankle injury in November 2023 sidelined him for up to three months, and he has also battled calf and knee issues in previous seasons. This latest injury, affecting the same knee, raises concerns about his long-term fitness and ability to regain his peak form, with some sources suggesting it could be a turning point in his Tottenham career.
Looking Ahead
As Tottenham await further medical assessments, the focus shifts to how Thomas Frank will adapt without one of his key players. The club’s Europa League success last season, where Maddison played a pivotal role before his injury, underscores his importance. With the transfer window still open, Spurs have an opportunity to bolster their squad, but replacing Maddison’s creativity and leadership will be a tall order. For now, fans and the club alike are left hoping for a best-case scenario, though the early signs point to a challenging road ahead for both Maddison and Tottenham.
