Spurs expected to be without Maddison for majority of the season following knee injury
Tottenham's James Maddison Suffers ACL Injury, Faces Eight-Month Absence
James Maddison, the midfielder for Tottenham Hotspur, is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul. The injury occurred during a 1-1 draw between the two teams.
Maddison was forced to leave the pitch on a stretcher late in the game, and the club has confirmed that he will undergo surgery in the coming days. The operation, reported as successful, will mark the start of a challenging rehabilitation process.
The 28-year-old English international is expected to be out for a minimum of eight months, missing the majority, if not all, of the 2025/26 season. Recovery timelines for ACL ruptures generally range from six to nine months, with the exact duration depending on individual rehabilitation progress.
Maddison described the injury and surgery as "cruel," but remains optimistic about his recovery. The injury is a significant setback, impacting both his club career at Tottenham and his potential involvement with the England national team, especially with upcoming international tournaments.
Despite the injury, Maddison has been in good form during pre-season under new boss Thomas Frank. He played a key role in Tottenham's campaign last season and will be sorely missed during his absence.
Tottenham's Premier League campaign will begin against Burnley on August 16, followed by a UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain on August 13. Maddison's absence will undoubtedly test the depth of Tottenham's squad as they look to challenge for honours in the upcoming season.
[1] AFP. (2025). James Maddison suffers ACL injury, faces eight-month absence. Retrieved from https://www.afp.com/en/news/228-sports/james-maddison-suffers-acl-injury-faces-eight-month-absence-109h16
[2] BBC Sport. (2025). James Maddison: Tottenham midfielder out for eight months after ACL surgery. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59132970
[3] Sky Sports. (2025). James Maddison out for eight months after ACL surgery. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/12342944/james-maddison-out-for-eight-months-after-acl-surgery
[4] Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury: Treatment and recovery. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acl-injuries/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372139
[5] The Guardian. (2025). James Maddison: Tottenham midfielder out for eight months after ACL surgery. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/05/james-maddison-tottenham-midfielder-out-for-eight-months-after-acl-surgery
- James Maddison's eight-month absence due to an ACL injury means he will likely miss the start of Tottenham's campaign in the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and potentially some international tournaments.
- Despite the injury, Maddison's performance in the 2025/26 pre-season shows promise for his future in the European football scene, especially with Tottenham competing in the Champions League.
- Tottenham's upcoming challenges, such as the Premier League match against Burnley and the UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain, will test the team's depth in Maddison's absence, as the midfielder was crucial to their success in both domestic and international competitions.
