James Maddison
TOT
AM
Creative Playmaker
Nov 23, 1996 (29)
Right
5'9"
161 lb
SpursBack in training, not ready for Forest
Maddison (shoulder) was back in training with the team but is not yet ready to feature at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, according to the club.
Analysis: Maddison had recently started training again after suffering a shoulder fracture, with reports suggesting a broader 10 day to two week recovery window, but this update confirms he still needs more time before returning to match action. Savio and Mykhailo Mudryk figure to see see increased playing time in attack until Maddison is back up to full speed, with the Sept. 12 match against Everton still looking like the more realistic target for his return.
Could return against Forest
Maddison (shoulder) started training again on Thursday and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Nottingham Forest, according to coach Roberto De Zerbi. "James started (training) yesterday."
Analysis: Maddison had been considered very doubtful after suffering a shoulder fracture, with reports suggesting a return in 10 days to two weeks, and this update on his training now offers an encouraging sign. His involvement remains to be confirmed, though the Sept. 12 match against Everton still looks like the more realistic target for his full return. Savio and Mykhailo Mudryk are expected to see more playing time until Maddison returns to full speed for the Spurs.
Remains sidelined
Maddison (shoulder) is not in the squad for Saturday's match against Newcastle United.
Analysis: Maddison was considered very doubtful to feature after suffering a shoulder fracture, with reports suggesting a return in 10 days to two weeks. He remains out Saturday, making Sept. 5 against Nottingham Forest his next chance to feature, though the Sept. 12 match against Everton looks like a more realistic return target.
Still doubtful Saturday
Maddison (shoulder) still has to be assessed for Saturday's clash against Newcastle United, according to the club.
Analysis: Maddison suffered a shoulder fracture after falling awkwardly in the loss to Brentford, with reports suggesting he could return in around 10 days to two weeks, making the Sep. 12 match against Everton a more realistic target. The playmaker will be assessed ahead of the Magpies game as there is a slight chance he could make the squad. If he had to miss another game, new signing Savio, Conor Gallagher or youngster Mikey Moore figure to be in line for more playing time in attacking midfield.
Expected to miss time
Maddison (shoulder) could return to playing in around 10 days to two weeks after sustaining a shoulder fracture, Alasdair Gold of Football.London reports.
Analysis: Maddison picked up the injury after falling awkwardly during Saturday's 3-0 loss to Brentford, and while there was some initial concern regarding his status, he'll only miss a few weeks and no more time. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Maddison could be back in around 10 days to two weeks, so the match against Everton on Sep. 12 could be a target date for his return. With Maddison out, new signing Savio, Conor Gallagher or youngster Mikey Moore could be in line for more playing time in the attacking midfield.
Suffers minor shoulder injury
Maddison picked up a small shoulder injury after falling awkwardly during Saturday's 3-0 loss to Brentford, according to head coach Roberto De Zerbi, per football london.
Analysis: Maddison went down awkwardly on his shoulder during Saturday's defeat to Brentford and was checked over as a result. head coach Roberto De Zerbi has described it as a small issue, though no timeline has been put on his availability. With the injury framed as minor and nothing more specific offered on a return, Tottenham will likely monitor him through training over the coming days before making a call on his fitness for the next fixture.
Awkward fall raises fresh concern
Maddison needed checks on a knock sustained in Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Brentford after falling awkwardly on his shoulder, according to Mike McGrath.
Analysis: Maddison played 22 minutes as he continued to build his fitness, though his latest fall raises some concern over his availability. The midfielder was limited to just three Premier League appearances last season due to injuries, making his fitness an important factor heading into the new campaign. His creativity and passing range in the final third make him a player Tottenham will need available and firing this season, so any setback to his fitness is one worth tracking closely. There is hope he can still be involved this weekend against Newcastle United.
Starts vs. Hoffenheim
Maddison (hip) starts in Tottenham's final preseason friendly against Hoffenheim, the club announced.
Analysis: Maddison had not played a single minute all preseason while managing a recurrence of a hip injury, though he returned to team training last week and this start confirms his recovery has progressed as hoped. A healthy Maddison would be a significant boost for Tottenham after a disappointing, injury hit campaign that limited him to just three appearances last season. Maddison is expected to build up his match fitness ahead of the season opener against Brentford on Aug. 22.
Joins training
Maddison featured in team training Thursday, according to his club.
Analysis: Maddison was dealing with a recurrence of a hip injury, but has avoided anything major, it appears, as the midfielder was back in training Thursday. This is huge news as they prepare for the season, as he appears to be approaching full fitness again, and they will kick off the season on Aug. 22 against Brentford. After a disappointing season in which he only featured three times due to injury, his main focus will be on maintaining his fitness, as a healthy Maddison in the midfield is likely to give them a much-needed boost after a near-relegation campaign.
Manages recurrence of hip issue
Maddison is dealing with a hip issue that Tottenham are managing, described as a recurrence of an old injury, with the club hopeful he makes the squad for the Brentford opener on August. 22, according to Paul O'Keefe.
Analysis: Maddison has already been ruled out of the club's first preseason friendlies, with Lucas Bergvall continuing to fill the void in the attacking midfield in his absence. The recurring nature of the issue adds some uncertainty to his timeline, though Tottenham remain hopeful he can be available for the 2026/27 Premier League season opener against Brentford.
Not available against Chelsea
Maddison (undisclosed) is not available for Saturday's friendly against Chelsea, the club posted.
Analysis: Maddison has a small problem that has already ruled him out of Tottenham's first preseason friendlies, with manager Roberto De Zerbi noting the club does not want to take any risks with him on the tour given the serious injury that disrupted last season. Sandro Tonali continues filling the void in midfield, and Maddison is expected to resume full training in the near future as Tottenham's preseason preparations continue.
Dealing with small problem
Maddison (undisclosed) has a small problem which ruled him out of the first preseason friendlies, according to manager Roberto De Zerbi, per Football London. "Maddison has a small problem and I said I don't want to take any risks with anyone on this tour. He had a serious injury last season."
Analysis: Maddison had not returned to full training this week and missed Tottenham's first two preseason friendlies, with Sandro Tonali and others expected to fill the void in midfield. Head coach Roberto De Zerbi indicated the issue is only minor, but the club is taking a cautious approach to avoid any repeat of the serious setback that disrupted last season. Maddison is expected to resume full training in the near future as Tottenham's preseason preparations continue.
Sidelined as precaution
Maddison has not trained over the past five days, though coach Roberto De Zerbi says the issue isn't serious, according to Football London. "He's not working the last five days, I think, like Udogie, but they have not a big problem, just to stay focused, don't take any risks"
Analysis: Maddison's absence explains why he has not featured in Tottenham's first two preseason matches, with the club taking a cautious approach rather than risking a setback. Manager Roberto De Zerbi indicated the club could turn to Sandro Tonali and others for the next friendly against Sydney FC. No specific injury has been disclosed. Maddison is expected to return to training in the near term as preseason continues.
Substitute option against Chelsea
Maddison (undisclosed) is on the bench for Tuesday's visit to Chelsea.
Analysis: Maddison avoided a major issue after being questionable for this game, and he'll look to rack up a few minutes for the second time since his return from a knee problem that sidelined him for almost the entire season. The playmaker racked up five crosses while taking four corner kicks in his lone appearance of the campaign. His return could limit Conor Gallagher's and Mathys Tel's playing time at some point in the final fixtures.
Late call for Tuesday
Maddison (undisclosed) is a late call for Tuesday's clash against Chelsea after missing training early in the week with a small problem before returning to full sessions, according to coach Roberto De Zerbi. "At the beginning of this week he didn't work for a small problem. But yesterday and today James worked very well. He is a different player, a special player. Now he is not ready to play 90 minutes. I want to speak to him tomorrow morning and take the best decision we can."
Analysis: Maddison's return to training over the last two days is an encouraging sign after the early-week absence raised doubts over his availability. Manager Roberto De Zerbi's comments suggest the midfielder is closing in on full fitness but is unlikely to be risked for a full 90 minutes, making a bench role the most probable scenario should he be cleared to feature. A final decision will be made following a conversation between the player and coach ahead of Tuesday's fixture.
Returns 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.
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