Maddison forced off in fresh injury blow on first start in 18 months

James Maddison’s comeback lasted 50 minutes.

The Tottenham midfielder was forced off during Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win at Chelsea, his first start in 18 months after missing the whole of last season with an ACL injury. Maddison pulled up with no player near him early in the second half, sat on the turf surrounded by team-mates as medical staff rushed on, and walked off looking emotional, straight down the tunnel. Conor Gallagher replaced him.

Maddison later returned to the bench to celebrate the win, secured by a Mike Penders own goal and a late Mathys Tel strike, but the concern was plain. Manager Roberto De Zerbi said the club would know more after a medical check on Sunday.

“We have to manage Maddison like a diamond,” De Zerbi said. “He’s a special player, but not just about his qualities, as a personality, as an experienced player. Now we have to make the medical check to understand what the problem is. But we need him, absolutely.”

De Zerbi added: “Not very important problem I hope. We need to make the medical check tomorrow.”

Maddison had only made his first competitive start since May 2025 on Monday, speaking this week about the “dark days” of his nine-month lay-off. Saturday’s setback is the latest cruel turn in his recovery.

Sources: talkSPORT, Football London, NBC Sports