Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of a strong 2025-26 season have suffered a serious setback as James Maddison ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul.

The 28-year-old midfielder was forced off the field on a stretcher in visible distress after just nine minutes on the pitch, following what appeared to be an innocuous challenge.

The injury is to the same knee that troubled Maddison towards the end of last season, preventing him from playing in key fixtures including the Europa League final triumph. Spurs manager Thomas Frank described the injury as “brutal,” underscoring the severity of the setback for both the player and the club.

Following medical assessments, Tottenham confirmed Maddison will undergo surgery imminently. With recovery expected to span six to nine months, the England international is set to miss the majority of the forthcoming Premier League season.

Implications for Tottenham’s Campaign and Squad Plans

Maddison’s long-term absence leaves a significant creative void in Tottenham’s midfield. The club had already faced challenges, with key attacking midfielder Dejan Kulusevski recovering from knee surgery and star forward Son Heung-min having recently departed.

Maddison’s injury has added urgency to Spurs’ search for reinforcements who can step up to fill the creative responsibilities.

Tottenham reportedly considered several options in the transfer market to bolster their attacking midfield, including interest in Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss. However, a more high-profile pursuit of Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott was reportedly shelved after talks failed to progress.

Meanwhile, the arrival of Mohammed Kudus and the pre-season form of Pape Sarr offer some internal solutions, albeit unproven over a full Premier League campaign.

Manager Frank and the Spurs medical team will now focus on Maddison’s rehabilitation, aiming for a return in late spring 2026 to regain full fitness ahead of the 2026-27 season. The club expressed solidarity and support for the player, emphasizing their commitment to his recovery and future contribution. 

The Road Ahead: Recovery and Team Resilience

ACL injuries are among the most challenging for footballers, often requiring extensive surgery and between six to nine months of recovery. Maddison’s previous injury woes with the same knee make this episode particularly concerning for his career trajectory.

For the remainder of the 2025-26 season, Tottenham will rely on alternative creative options while integrating new signings and emerging talents into the squad.

The injury also tests the club’s medical and sports science departments, whose work will be crucial in managing Maddison’s recovery and preventing future setbacks.

While Spurs regroup, fans will hope for the swift and complete recovery of James Maddison, whose vision and technical ability remain vital to the club’s ambitions in England and Europe.