James Maddison’s recent injury has cast a shadow over Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season preparations. The superstar was making only his third NHL appearance since suffering a long-term knee injury—which he’d suffered in early May—costing him all of 2022-23. Unfortunately, he suffered a disappointing setback during a pre-season friendly with Newcastle in South Korea. Following the final whistle, Maddison was seen leaving the stadium on crutches and in tears. He had just been stretchered off the pitch, holding his head in his hands.
The incident occurred on an emotional day for Spurs, marked by departing captain Heung-Min Son receiving a guard of honour from both teams. Son’s substitution was an emotional send-off in his home country before his expected move away from the club.
Maddison’s Injury History
Maddison’s latest injury affects the same knee that sidelined him during critical matches at the end of last season, including Tottenham’s Europa League final triumph. He dealt with a chronic right knee issue that led to surgery in May. Now, he’s returned in impressive fashion to competitive play. Thomas Frank, who was present at the match, described Maddison’s injury as “brutal,” emphasizing the duality of the day’s events.
“I think sometimes in life and football things can be both beautiful and brutal. That’s what we got today. It looks like with Madders a bad injury and then on the other side unbelievable scenes for Son from his team-mates and the respect from the Newcastle players.” – Thomas Frank
The injury only adds to the already alarming list of absences Spurs have dealt with. Dejan Kulusevski is recovering from knee surgery and will probably not be fit at the start of the season. Simultaneously, defenders Destiny Udogie and forward Dominic Solanke are out with injuries.
Spurs’ Ongoing Injury Challenges
Maddison’s setback has brought another less welcome trend for Spurs into sharp focus. Their injury issues that plagued them throughout last season seem to be coming back to haunt them this year. The club’s recent struggles with player fitness have plagued them throughout this season and into their preparations for next season.
The situation is only compounded by the impact of transfer-ing. Tottenham even tried to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest by triggering his £60 million release clause. Nottingham Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, intervened, threatening legal action against Spurs and the player’s agent. In the end, they did enough to convince Gibbs-White to sign a new deal, keeping him and snubbing Tottenham’s advances.
Looking Ahead
The new Premier League season is fast approaching. For Spurs, they face a daunting task with a significant portion of their spine currently missing to injury. Sky Sports is increasing its Premier League output from 128 live matches to a minimum of 215 live games next season. Fans, and even those from outside the club, are eager to see how Spurs will address these challenges in far more arena, on and off the pitch.
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