James Maddison
TOTEngland
Right
Nov 23, 1996
29
5'9"
161 lb
AM
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Creative Playmaker
SpursReturns to action against Leeds
Maddison had five crosses (one accurate) after coming off the bench in the 85th minute of Monday's 1-1 draw against Leeds United.
Analysis: Maddison was finally fit enough to play after staying on the bench for three consecutive games, having recently recovered from a significant knee issue. It was the playmaker's first appearance in the 2025/26 season, but his return is great news for a club that is still battling to avoid relegation. He'll now offer a viable alternative to Conor Gallagher and Mathys Tel while challenging Tel and Pedro Porro for set pieces.
Still working for play time
Maddison has yet to see the field since returning to the bench due to his physical condition, according to manager Roberto De Zerbi. "I'm thinking about James Maddison because I'm watching a top, top player. Maybe he's not ready yet to play, but as a physical condition, for the rhythm, for the intensity of the game. We are playing in the Premier League, the most difficult league in terms of intensity and rhythm, as a player, he's great."
Analysis: Maddison has been listed on the bench the past few matches but has yet to see the field since his injury, with the attacker trying to ramp up his fitness. That said, it appears the club thinks at a technical level he could be ready, although his physical and conditioning are still too low. That will put his chance for minutes against Leeds United on Monday in jeopardy, potentially his season too, as he has only three more games to return. It appears he still has an outside chance to return this season, although that will depend on how he can train the next few weeks.
Listed to bench
Maddison (knee) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Maddison was still working on his return and was not expected back this week, but is now listed on the bench, giving him a possibility of playing some minutes. That said, after the major injury and setbacks, he is unlikely to see major minutes, probably appearing at the end of the match for a late boost if anything. If the midfielder can get back to the level he was at before the injury, he could be the boost the club needs to end the season and avoid relegation.
Could make pitch by end of season
Maddison (knee) could be an option for the final three games of the season, according to manager Roberto De Zerbi. "I don't know. I would like to play with him because he is a special player, but we have to consider physical condition, a lot of things, but I think he can be important in the next three games."
Analysis: Maddison has been seeing boosts to his health to end the season, as he looks to be eyeing a return come the final three games of the season. However, that will depend on his health, as it has appeared multiple times that he is close to a return before heading back to the sidelines. With Tottenham in the relegation zone, they may be calling in all reinforcements to end the season, giving the midfielder an even bigger gap to return despite returning from such a serious injury.
Back on sidelines
Maddison (knee) is not ready for play but remains part of the traveling team as motivation, according to manager Roberto De Zerbi. "No, he's not available yet, especially this week, he felt pain, but it's not such an important problem. Tomorrow he'll come with us to the match, because it's important if he plays or not. It doesn't matter, it's better if he plays, for sure, but also as a guy, as a leader, as a positive guy. Inside my dressing room, I want to see nice people and positive people, and it's also important for his teammates."
Analysis: Maddison was on the bench last week but was in no position to play, as the attacker was only with the team as a face in lockeroom. He was also feeling some pain this week, which has likely slowed his return to play, still needing much more time to train with his teammates before a full return can be made. This will keep the midfielder's debut from happening for at least a few more weeks, hopefully still an option to make an appearance this season and help his team avoid relegation.
Back in squad after long absence
Maddison (knee) has been named on the bench for Saturday's clash against Brighton, returning to the squad for the first time this season after recovering from an ACL injury, the club posted.
Analysis: Maddison's return to the matchday squad marks a significant milestone after a season-long absence following ACL surgery. The attacking midfielder has not featured at all this campaign, making Saturday's inclusion on the bench a welcome development for Tottenham. His workload will likely be managed carefully given the nature of the injury and the length of time he has been sidelined. A gradual reintroduction to action is the most probable path forward as he works his way back to full fitness.
Remains sidelined
Maddison (knee) is not yet an option for play, according to manager Roberto De Zerbi. "I don't know [when he will return] yet. I don't want to push too much because we lost Kudus in this way. I used to waiting the players when they are totally available to play... it's better to lose one game more than to take a risk for another new injury.
Analysis: Maddison was back in team training this week but is not being rushed into action, as the attacker will instead sit out another contest. This continues his season-long absence, still yet to see the field this campaign. However, with his return to training, a return this season is still a possibility, likely an option in May if this is the case.
Back in team training
Maddison (knee) is making good progress in his recovery since he was spotted back in team training Thursday, the club posted.
Analysis: Maddison has been grinding his way back from an ACL injury that has sidelined him for months, and while the recovery is trending in the right direction, the quick turnaround ahead of Saturday's clash against Brighton likely comes too soon for him to be in the mix, meaning he will need a bit more time before returning to competitive action. The midfielder is expected to keep ramping up his fitness in the coming weeks with the goal of making a real impact before the end of the season under new coach Roberto de Zerbi.
Could be option this season
Maddison (knee) still has a chance of returning to play this season, according to manager Igor Tudor. "Maybe [he could be back this season], yeah, he is already doing interesting things with the ball, sprinting as well. You know, I saw him, he's positive."
Analysis: Maddison is still working individually as he returns from a knee injury and has yet to join team training, although he is receiving a positive update. He is now eyeing a return at the end of the season if he continues to trend in the right direction, possibly an option in May. However, this will depend on his recovery, needing to face no setbacks and a clean bill of health in the build-up to his return.
Working with ball
Maddison posted pictures of himself working on the pitch with the ball in his recovery from ACL surgery.
Analysis: Maddison is edging closer to a return, now more than five months removed from ACL surgery. He still has a few months to go in recovery, but he's working to get back into training, something that could happen before the end of the season. All appears to be going well with his initial goal being a return after eight months, which would mean April, and a possible return to light training in March.
Still in early stages of rehab
Maddison (knee) was out on the training pitch Monday and is in the early stages of his recovery, according to manager Thomas Frank. "It's very early stages. It's still a long-term injury, so it's good to see him out there, but very early stages. There's no specific time frame. It'll be a long time, unfortunately, before he's available."
Analysis: Maddison is taking steps onto the training field Monday, with the midfielder in the early stages of his rehabilitation. That said, he is still looking at a long absence, unfortunately, unlikely to even make a return this campaign. This is still positive for him, a first step in the right direction after multiple steps back in this campaign.
Working through rehab
Maddison is going through rehab after surgery for his torn ACL three months ago but is hoping to return before the end of the campaign.
Analysis: Maddison is eyeing a return before the end of the 2025/26 campaign, depending on how his rehab goes. The attacking midfielder suffered a torn ACL during the pre-season, but he's recovering well and if he continues to do so could return ahead of the expected timeline. The next step for Maddison's recovery is a return to running on grass, which will likely come around the turn of the year, if not in the coming weeks.
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