Spurs release statement on James Maddison injury that made teammates look away in horror

Spurs midfielder James Maddison is expected to miss the majority of the 2025/26 season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in pre-season.

The 28-year-old, who endured an injury-hit campaign last season, was stretchered off in the closing stages of Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle following an innocuous challenge.

Maddison had only just been introduced to the game, but he was soon replaced by South Korean youngster Yang Min-hyeok as the incident overshadowed Son Heung-min's final appearance for Spurs.

After the full-time whistle, Frank gave a worrying insight into the knee injury. "I think it was brutal what happened to Madders," he said in his post-match interview. "It looks like a bad injury. Of course, we don't know exactly the status of it. It didn't look good."

A few days later and BBC Sport have reported that Maddison is set to have surgery on the ACL injury and will miss the majority of the 2025/26 campaign.

He is set to be out for the next six to seven months, as per Fabrizio Romano, who added: "Tottenham looking at the market again soon."

Spurs release statement on James Maddison injury

After reports emerged regarding Maddison's injury, Spurs confirmed that the player ruptured the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee against Newcastle.

A statement read: "We can confirm that James Maddison will undergo surgery for a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee. 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."

The club added: "Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur wishes James a full and speedy recovery. We will be supporting him every step of the way."

Spurs looking at potential replacement for James Maddison but decide against signing Harvey Elliott

Maddison's long-term absence will likely force Spurs to move in the summer, with Leicester City's attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss being linked with a switch to the North London club in recent days.

Speaking on YouTube channel Last Word On Spurs, journalist Ben Jacobs gave an insight into Spurs' interest in El Khannouss.

“Leeds United are the only club in the Premier League that have made a formal inquiry, but West Ham and Tottenham have considered doing so," he said.

"Relatively easy deal to get done. You’ll see some reports out there saying that Leicester want a fee in excess of £25 million. That’s not true to my understanding. Bilal El Khannouss has a relegation release clause which can be triggered for just €26 million.

"So that’s a deal at around £22 million. The player wants a move. He wants to stay in the Premier League."

Spurs, meanwhile, have decided against pursuing a move for Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott after holding initial talks over a possible deal, as per The Times.