It has been confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur star James Maddison suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during their pre-season friendly against Newcastle at the weekend.
The news condemns the 28-year-old to roughly seven months on the sidelines, meaning he is set to miss the majority of the season.
The English international only entered the field in the 75th minute, but lasted just 11 minutes before being forced off the field with a nasty injury to his knee.
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The midfielder, who has a history of time on the treatment table, pulled up off the ball after an innocuous challenge from Anthony Elanga and took himself to the touchline with his hands on his head, as though he knew the severity already.
James Maddison sustained the injury after an innocuous challenge from Anthony Elange | GettyShortly after, the stretcher was brought out to take Maddison down the tunnel, with the English international visibly emotional and in pain, his hands on his face.
With Spurs’ failed pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White, the former Leicester star was expected to play a pivotal role in the middle of midfield for the north London club.
The injury marks a major blow to new boss Thomas Frank, who would have relied on Maddison’s ability and Premier League experience in an otherwise extremely young squad.
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The midfielder left the field on a stretcher with his head in his hands | GettyLast season, the 28-year-old was among Spurs’ senior leadership group and shared vice-captaincy duties with centre-back Cristian Romero.
With club captain Heung-Min Son departing for LAFC and rumours persisting of Romero looking to join Atletico Madrid, Maddison could have been promoted to club captain if not for the injury.
His absence will undoubtedly be felt on and off the pitch by the squad.
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After the game, Frank confirmed the injury was to the same knee that the creative midfielder had issues with towards the end of last season.
The Danish boss foreshadowed the news by calling the injury “brutal”.
Maddison managed 45 appearances for the club last year, however missed the last four games of the Premier League season and the crucial Europa League final.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
We can confirm that James Maddison will undergo surgery for a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 7, 2025
We will be supporting you every step of the way, Madders 🤍
Maddison had also previously missed two months of football with an ankle injury following his £40million transfer to north London in 2023.
The midfielder would have been a crucial component in Frank's plans, with the former Leicester man scoring 12 goals and assisting 11 last year alone.
Fans took to social media to send their best wishes to the star, with one fan writing: “This is horrible news get well soon.”
Another said: “I feel sorry for this guy. He has the potential why injuries have been cruel to him. Get well soon and come back stronger Madders.”
A third wrote: "Heartbroken and wishing him a speedy recovery. Also please sign someone like [Eberechi] Eze or [Morgan] Rogers."