Seoul, August 4 – Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a major injury setback after James Maddison limped off with a suspected knee injury during their 1-1 pre-season draw with Newcastle United in Seoul.
The 27-year-old midfielder had only just returned to action following a long-term layoff but was forced off on a stretcher late in the game after a seemingly innocuous collision with Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga in the 83rd minute. Maddison immediately signalled distress and went to ground clutching his knee, raising concerns of a serious recurrence.
Spurs boss Thomas Frank admitted after the match that there are fears the injury could be a return of the same issue that sidelined Maddison towards the end of last season. The England international was later seen leaving the stadium on crutches, his hood pulled low, and looking visibly devastated.
Maddison had come off the bench as part of his gradual return to full fitness and was expected to play a key role in Spurs’ upcoming campaign. The club are now anxiously awaiting the results of medical tests to determine the full extent of the damage, with fans and coaching staff alike hoping the injury is not as bad as first feared.