Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison, 28, is set to undergo surgery following a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained during a pre‑season friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul.
The club confirmed the severity of the injury and announced that the procedure will take place in the coming days, initiating what promises to be an extended period of rehabilitation and absence from the pitch.
The incident occurred late in the friendly match in South Korea. Maddison collapsed in pain after what appeared to be a non‑contact challenge, prompting a stretcher to assist him off the field. It was immediately clear that this was a serious injury.
Manager Thomas Frank confirmed that the injury involves the same knee that had troubled Maddison earlier in May—a prior issue that forced him to miss the concluding stages of the previous season, including the Europa League final.
Tottenham’s official statement reinforced the seriousness of the situation: “We can confirm that James Maddison will undergo surgery for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. His surgery will take place in the coming days and, following that, James will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team. Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur wishes James a full and speedy recovery. We will be supporting him every step of the way.”
Last season had been one of Maddison’s most productive; he contributed 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions as Tottenham claimed the Europa League title—securing their first major trophy in 17 years.
His absence therefore represents not just a physical setback for Maddison but a significant blow to Spurs’ creative midfield options.
Typical ACL injuries require a minimum of six months before players can consider a return to training, with many needing nine months or more to regain full match fitness.
With the 2025‑26 season already about to kick off—including the UEFA Super Cup fixture against Paris Saint‑Germain on August 13 and the Premier League opener against Burnley on August 16—Tottenham face a looming creative void that may shape their transfer strategy over the coming days.
This situation bears echoes of earlier hopes that Maddison’s May rehabilitation would yield a full return. Yet his early re‑entry into pre‑season action may have unfortunately paved the way for this recurrence.
Frank’s acknowledgment that the injury involves the same knee highlights the delicate nature of sports medicine and the fine line clubs tread in balancing recovery and readiness.
With Tottenham already managing another key absence—Dejan Kulusevski has also been sidelined with a knee issue—the urgency to bolster their creative lineup could become a prominent storyline of the summer window.
From Maddison’s viewpoint, this moment introduces both a challenge and an opportunity for resilience. It is rare for modern tempo‑driven playmakers to overcome such long layoffs and immediately rediscover their impact.
His rehabilitation process will be closely monitored by fans, club staff, and medical professionals alike, all rooting for a successful comeback.