Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has been ruled out for most of the upcoming 2025-26 season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) in a pre-season game against Newcastle United in Seoul, Afrosport reports.
The 28-year-old English midfielder was taken off after 75 minutes and replaced by Archie Gray, with the game ending 1-1.
Spurs boss Thomas Frank confirmed after the match that it was the same knee Maddison had injured towards the end of last season, which ultimately ruled him out of the Europa League final, a game the team won.
He is now set to have surgery before he begins rehabilitation for his recovery, which will be in the long term.
“We can confirm that James Maddison will undergo surgery for a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee,” read a statement on the club website.
“The 28-year-old midfielder suffered the injury during our pre-season friendly against Newcastle United on Sunday in Seoul.
“His surgery will take place in the coming days, and following that, James will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team.
“Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur wishes James a full and speedy recovery. We will be supporting him every step of the way.”
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
Madisson’s absence will be a key blow for Tottenham as he has been a creative force in the North London team since joining from Leicester City in the summer of 2023, scoring 16 goals and providing 21 assists in 75 competitive appearances.
Their first competitive game without him will come in the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday in Udine.
