James Maddison's physical condition after 247 days out with injury leaves everyone gobsmacked

Fans have been left gobsmacked by James Maddison's physical condition as he steps up his recovery from an ACL injury suffered in pre-season.

Maddison was stretchered off during Spurs' pre-season clash with Newcastle United in Seoul, South Korea, and has missed the entirety of the 25/26 season to date.

Since his injury, Maddison has seen both Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor come and go, with Roberto De Zerbi now on the sidelines at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

The England international has been back on the grass in recent weeks, but is still expected to be sidelined for the rest of the season with Spurs taking no risks.

Throughout his recovery, Maddison has often posted to his YouTube channel to document his journey, but recent clips of the midfielder's condition have caught people's attention.

On Tuesday, footage of Maddison performing gym work went viral, with fans blown away by the difference in muscle mass since his ACL injury.

매디슨 복귀만을 기다려..🤍#THFC #COYS #SpursKR #토트넘 pic.twitter.com/6y2TCggNwj

— Tottenham Hotspur 🇰🇷 (@Spurs_KR) April 7, 2026

One fan wrote: "Look at the difference in the size of Maddison’s right leg to his left."

"Oh my god, it looks like they put a single Barbie leg on Max Steel's body, poor Maddison," another added.

A third replied: "Injuries hurt players more than we can tell. You could see James Maddison has lost a lot weight, especially in his leg muscles."

"Injuries are crazy man, look at his legs," another commented.

One fan believes the footage is proof Maddison is still six months away from peak performance, adding: "Muscle atrophy is a real hangover from an injury like that. Maddison is 6 months + from hitting any sort of similar athletic heights."

Maddison admits there has been 'lonely days' after ACL injury

Speaking to FourFourTwo in February, the 29-year-old admitted dealing with the mental side of his setback was the toughest, particularly due to his England ambitions.

“It was painful,” he explained.

"It was difficult to accept, with a big season ahead, a World Cup year.

“But it is what it is, you have to deal with it, crack on with the rehab and smile in the face of adversity. I’ve been working hard every day, head down, grit my teeth and get through it.

“There have been some tough days, some dark days, lonely days. But I’ll get there and be back better and stronger, I have no doubt," he added.