Tottenham Hotspur's preseason was hit by a potentially serious setback after midfielder James Maddison seemed to have a serious injury in their friendly match against Newcastle United in South Korea. The 1-1 match was meant to mark Son Heung-min's farewell match on home turf, but the fear for Maddison's fitness soon overshadowed the emotional stature of the event.
James Maddison seemed to have suffered a severe injury when he collapsed on the field clutching his knee during Tottenham's preseason friendly game against Newcastle United in South Korea. He was removed from the field on a stretcher.
Maddison appeared as a late substitute in the 1-1 game, which was Son Heung-min's farewell in his native country after the announcement by club captain Maddison that he would be departing this summer.
Maddison was chasing down the ball when he suddenly collapsed, cradling his face in his hands, without appearing to make contact with an opponent.
Spurs boss Thomas Frank, Maddison's colleagues, and the coaching staff seemed to be very concerned about his injuries.
Frank confirmed that "James Maddison's injury looks bad," and "It was a brutal moment."
Frank also reported that Maddison had missed the end of the last season because of the same knee injury.
The 28-year-old midfielder had only just resumed training after months of rehab for a persistent knee problem that also ruled him out of England's UEFA Nations League team earlier this year. Since signing for Spurs from Leicester City, his form had been encouraging, with his creativity and set-piece presence being a key factor in the midfield.
Fans now eagerly wait for further news from the medics, with Maddison's absence potentially being expensive for Spurs at the beginning of the Premier League campaign. Spurs will provide a full injury report in the next few days.
