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'I need to come back'- Injured Tottenham star eyeing 2025-26 return
Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images

Tottenham Hotspur star James Maddison has been side-lined for eight months due to an ACL injury this season

Tottenham are missing a creative output in the middle of the park this season. The Lilywhites have endured a fantastic start to the new campaign under Thomas Frank, but there is still an overreliance on individual brilliance. It is clear to the naked eye that the North London club is overperforming and making the most out of the limited chances they have created in their opening ten matches.

One of the most glaring issues on the pitch for Spurs has been the absence of the natural #10. The unfortunate injury to James Maddison during a pre-season friendly meant that Thomas Frank lost one of his first-choice attacking midfielders just before the new season commenced. And it is fair to say that the England international’s absence has carved out a huge void in the middle of the park for the Lilywhites.

Given how impactful Maddison has been for the North London club in recent seasons, it is a huge loss of not having his presence in the dressing room and on the pitch. The 28-year-old’s fantastic vision, coupled with his ability to create chances out of nothing, make him a unique profile to have in the team. And given the little cover Spurs have in the #10 role, the England international’s absence proves to be fatal as every game passes by.

Tottenham star James Maddison hoping to return to full fitness before the end of the season

Tottenham midfielder James Maddison ruptured his ACL during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in August. The England international’s injury news proved to be a massive setback for the Lilywhites as they lost a creative machine for Thomas Frank’s first season at N17. After a thorough check-up, it was then revealed that Maddison would be out for six to eight months, forcing him to miss the whole campaign.

However, the 28-year-old has provided some positive update regarding his recovery timeframe. Speaking on his own YouTube channel (via Tottenham’s official website), Maddison said,

“I’m 28, I’m going to be 29 when I return, I’m in my prime, really. These are my peak years ahead of me. I need to come back and I need to stay fit. So actually, I’m not going to be pushing to say ‘oh why are you taking so long’, sort of thing. But if it gets to eight months and we’re flying or whatever, if I’m in the right frame, that will allow me to play this season won’t it, towards the end.”

James Maddison’s comments underline his determination to return stronger and remain a key part of Tottenham’s long-term project. The England international remains hopeful of featuring again before the end of the campaign if his recovery stays on track. But fans and the North London club will be cautious about rushing him back too soon.

Fans will hope that the 28-year-old does not rush through his recovery process and takes his time before getting back on the field. The last thing that Spurs want to see is this becoming a recurring issue for Maddison. They cannot afford to lose him for a long period of time again once he returns to full fitness in the coming months. For Thomas Frank, though, the focus should be on competing strongly on all fronts.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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