April 27, 2025; Anfield, Liverpool, BRITAIN; Tottenham Hotspur player Dominic Solanke in action with Liverpool player Ryan Gravenberch in a Premier League match. Mandatory Credit: Phil Noble/Reuters via Imagn Images

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Tottenham’s James Maddison Suffers ACL Injury, Set to Miss Majority of 2025-26 Season

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a major blow ahead of the new campaign with key midfielder James Maddison suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. The 28-year-old will undergo surgery and is expected to miss most of the upcoming 2025-26 season.

Maddison sustained the injury during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in South Korea last weekend. The midfielder collapsed in the 86th minute without any contact, and was stretchered off in visible pain. The incident raised immediate concerns, especially since it involved the same knee that had sidelined him at the end of last season.

Maddison had also missed the Europa League final win over Manchester United last season due to the injury. Tottenham’s medical staff conducted a series of scans upon the team’s return from Asia, and the club’s worst fears have now been confirmed.

Spurs released a statement confirming the news, “We can confirm that James Maddison will undergo surgery for a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee.”

We can confirm that James Maddison will undergo surgery for a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee.

We will be supporting you every step of the way, Madders 🤍
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 7, 2025

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Thomas Frank Facing Tough Start to His First Season at Spurs

Maddison begins a long road to recovery and will be unavailable for the foreseeable future. Since joining Spurs from Leicester City in 2023, Maddison has become a central figure in the team’s attack. He made 45 appearances last season, scoring 12 goals.

Tottenham have already signed attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus from West Ham for £55m this summer but new manager Thomas Frank is now facing a tough start to his first season in charge. Maddison’s absence will be a significant loss for Frank, who is already dealing with the departure of Son Heung-min to LAFC.

Frank now faces the challenge of reshaping Tottenham’s attacking line-up without two of the club’s most influential players. While the club had time to prepare for Son’s exit, Maddison’s long-term injury comes as a devastating blow just weeks before the Premier League kicks off.

Spurs had been close to landing Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest and were optimistic about the deal. However, behind-the-scenes issues led to Gibbs-White signing a new contract with Forest instead. With Maddison now confirmed to be out long-term, Tottenham will look to step up their efforts in the transfer market.

James Maddison

Premier League

Premier League 2025-26

Thomas Frank

Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.