James Maddison responds to viral video of his physical condition after 247 days out

Tottenham star James Maddison has responded after the emergence of a viral video appearing to show his physical condition as he continues to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Maddison tore his ACL during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle in South Korea, and was expected to miss the majority of the 2025/26 season.

His absence has been sorely felt by Spurs, who sit 17th in the Premier League table and just one point above the relegation zone.

Maddison has stepped up his recovery in recent weeks, though it remains to be seen whether new manager Roberto De Zerbi will be able to call upon his services in the closing weeks of the season.

On Wednesday, a video emerged of Maddison in the gym performing strength work on both legs.

Some fans suggested that the muscle mass in his right leg - where he suffered the ACL injury - appeared to be significantly smaller than on his left leg, though others speculated as to whether the camera angle simply made it look that way.

Maddison himself has now responded to the video, posting a clip of him standing straight on towards the camera to show that, in fact, the muscle mass in both legs is the same.

Image: Instagram/@madders

He captioned the post: "Admin needs to work on the angles of videoing... @spursofficial."

Maddison's recovery was touched upon by now former interim manager Igor Tudor, who said he was 'positive' ahead of his upcoming return.

He told football.london last month: "Maddison is already doing interesting things as well with the ball. Sprinting as well. I saw him. He is positive. He is positive."

De Zerbi has yet to comment on the prospect of the 29-year-old playing again this season, though Maddison is clearly anticipating playing for his new manager.

He liked Spurs' announcement video of the Italian's appointment within three minutes of it being posted last week.