Article body analysed
James Maddison joined Tottenham in a £40m deal from Leicester in 2023 Tottenham midfielder James Maddison has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury and is expected to miss the majority of the forthcoming season. Sources have told BBC Sport that Maddison is set to have surgery and will become a long-term absentee as he starts his recovery programme. The 28-year-old suffered the injury in the pre-season draw against Newcastle in South Korea last weekend. Manager Thomas Frank confirmed after the match that Maddison had injured the same knee that ruled him out of the Europa League final victory against Manchester United in May. Since returning from Asia on Monday, Maddison has undergone tests in recent days to ascertain the severity of the injury. Initial fears were that Maddison had suffered a cruciate ligament injury and those concerns have now been realised. Maddison, a 2023 signing from Leicester City, scored 12 goals in 45 appearances for Spurs last season. He has seven England caps, the most recent of which came in 2024. Thomas Frank has had time to brace himself for Son Heung-min's departure – but the long-term unavailability of Maddison is extremely unwelcome, to say the least. Son's farewell match in South Korea earlier this week was marred by the latest knee injury suffered by Maddison. The anguished expression on his face said it all, and the sympathy lies with him. But spare a thought for Frank, who in his first season in charge, faces losing two key attacking players. You'd imagine that Spurs will give big consideration to entering the market for a new attacking midfielder. Had their move for Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White ended successfully then the requirement to enter the market for offensive reinforcements would be significantly less pressing. Such attacking quality is hard to come by. Expensive, too. Mohammed Kudus, signed from West Ham this summer, has played centrally before and could provide an option. But Spurs will have to do something to replace Maddison's contribution. Latest Tottenham news, analysis and fan views Get Tottenham news sent straight to your phone Ex-Man Utd star Mc Tominay nominated for Ballon d'Or Al-Hilal agree £46m deal for Liverpool's Nunez Ballon d'Or 2025 nominees: Mc Tominay plus eight Premier League stars up for award A legendary automotive dream, stalled by scandal and greed The latest update on the George Gibney case James May flies to the edge of space in a U2 spy plane Rob Ince speaks about his new ADHD diagnosis My 30-year-old world record 'not a good sign for athletics' - Edwards When England won by two runs - the greatest ever Test match? Video When England won by two runs - the greatest ever Test match? Newcastle's summer of frustration - what's going on? When do top European leagues start - and who will star? Brave complete nail-biting win over Originals. Video Brave complete nail-biting win over Originals Debt, delays & desperation - how Sheff Wed crisis impacts fans Why is it so hard to break into the NFL? Meet post-grad medic who stunned Muir at UK Champs From Premier League title to yo-yo club - Leicester's unforgettable decade Bring back the Delap delivery - how to make throw-ins a weapon Man Utd, Newcastle. .. or neither? Sesko's choices 'Winning the Ashes would be Stokes' greatest miracle' How will Russell feel about Mercedes contract saga? How to win at FPL - our experts give their best tips Lions tour awards - best player, moment and try, and a word on the Welshman. .. 'One of the great Test matches' - India earn series draw with narrow win. Video'One of the great Test matches' - India earn series draw with narrow win 'I needed to get myself together' - Fitzpatrick on finding form Becky Zerlentes - the first female boxer to die in fight in US Hansie Cronje, match-fixing and plane crash that left a complex legacy Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.