James Maddison
TOT
Attacking Midfielder
Creative Playmaker
Nov 23, 1996 (29)
Right
5'9"
161 lb
Will undergo exams Sunday
Maddison (groin) will undergo tests Sunday to determine the extent of the injury suffered against Chelsea on Saturday, according to manager Roberto De Zerbi per Gary Ward of Roundtable.io. "Not very important problem I hope. We need to make the medical check tomorrow. I hope it's not a big problem because he's a special player for us. We need him."
Analysis: Maddison exited Saturday's game in the early stages of the second half, and Sunday tests will clarify if the playmaker has to spend more time on the sidelines. Injuries have bothered Maddison for the better part of the last two years, though he's started in the Spurs' last two league matches. He has one goal, four shots (two on target) and one chance created in six league appearances in 2026/27.
Subbed off injured against Chelsea
Maddison was forced off in the 49th minute of Saturday's match after appearing to pick up an injury.
Analysis: Maddison suffered a potential injury during Saturday's clash with Chelsea, leaving the pitch in the 49th minute. His early withdrawal comes after a difficult period with fitness issues, and Tottenham Hotspur could be without an important creative presence if the problem proves significant. The midfielder will need to be assessed following the match, with more information required before his availability for upcoming fixtures can be determined.
Starts against Chelsea
Maddison (undisclosed) starts Saturday's match against Chelsea.
Analysis: Maddison missed Tottenham's first three training sessions of the week, leaving his availability in doubt, but he has recovered sufficiently to start against Chelsea. After scoring in his first start against Coventry City, the attacking midfielder will look to build on that performance and establish himself further in Roberto De Zerbi's plans.
Could miss Chelsea clash
Maddison (undisclosed) is questionable for Saturday's Premier League clash against Chelsea after missing Tottenham's first three training sessions this week, according to coach Roberto De Zerbi. "I don't know because in the first three days, Maddison didn't work with us. I don't know if he's ready for tomorrow."
Analysis: Maddison's availability for Saturday's clash against Chelsea is uncertain after he missed Tottenham's first three training sessions of the week due to an unspecified issue. The attacking midfielder featured in Monday's 3-1 victory over Coventry City, scoring once from two shots while adding one chance created and two crosses. His potential absence would interrupt his efforts to build match fitness and establish a more consistent role in Tottenham's lineup. Mathys Tel, Omar Marmoush and Conor Gallagher are among the alternatives who could provide attacking midfield cover if Maddison is unable to feature, with his participation dependent on a late fitness assessment.
Scores in return to starting XI
Maddison scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 3-1 victory over Coventry City.
Analysis: Maddison was one of the difference-makers for the Spurs while he was out there, and he broke the deadlock for Tottenham with a perfect finish in the first half. Maddison seems to be building up his fitness levels, but until he can secure a steady role in the XI, he won't carry a ton of fantasy appeal. After a goal in this appearance and given how lively he looked, however, he should be trending in the right direction.
Ready for starting minutes
Maddison is ready for starting time following his long injury absence, according to manager Roberto De Zerbi, per Alasdair Gold of Football London. "Maybe yes [he can start]. You need to play many games to reach the best physical condition, but there are players able to be important even if they play 10-15-20 minutes, and James is one player like this. Right now, he is ready to start the game, but I don't know if we will start with him. I'm waiting for that moment."
Analysis: Maddison is finally getting the green light to begin starting matches following his long recovery from injury, last starting a game in the 2024/25 season. However, it appears Tottenham will be cautious and wait for the right moment to give him the start, not rushing the player back into the role. If he can return to his former self once back in a starting role, it will be a huge boost to the Spurs' season, recording nine goals and seven assists in 31 appearances during his last season fit.
Available but unlikely to start
Maddison is available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Manchester United despite missing several days of training late last week, according to coach Roberto De Zerbi. "He is available but he lost three or four days at the end of last week. James is a special player for us. As a player and personality."
Analysis: Maddison has been cleared to face Manchester United, although his fitness remains a concern after another interruption to his recovery. The attacking midfielder recently returned to team training following a lengthy absence and made a 15-minute substitute appearance against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. However, the three or four days of training he missed last week could further delay his return to the starting lineup. Conor Gallagher has impressed in the No. 10 role against Liverpool and Aston Villa, meaning Maddison may have to settle for another appearance off the bench as he continues building match fitness.
Still building fitness
Maddison has been working with the team for the last 10 or 15 days and still has to build fitness, according to coach Roberto De Zerbi. "James is working with the team the last 10 or 15 days. Maybe less than 15 days. He needs to be fit, to stay in a good condition. When he arrives in the best condition, he is very important for us."
Analysis: Maddison recently made only his third appearance of the season, coming off the bench for 15 minutes in the Carabao Cup loss to Liverpool and attempting two shots that were saved, with manager De Zerbi acknowledging at the time he wasn't ready to start given the demands of Premier League intensity. A regular starting role could come once he's fully fit, though that isn't expected until after the October international break in a best case scenario.
Comes off bench in EFL Cup loss
Maddison came off the bench and played 15 minutes in Tuesday's 3-1 EFL Cup loss to Liverpool.
Analysis: Manager Roberto De Zerbi acknowledged that Maddison wasn't ready to start in this match, but he still got some minutes off the bench to keep building his fitness. Maddison could contend for a regular starting role once he's fully fit, but that's not expected until after the October international break -- in a best-case scenario.
Not ready to start in EFL Cup
Maddison won't be in the starting lineup in Tuesday's EFL Cup match against Liverpool, according to manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Analysis: The Italian manager admitted that Maddison will not be fit enough to start in midweek despite returning from a shoulder fracture against Everton the last time out. The Spurs are being extremely cautious with Maddison's fitness given all the issues he's had over the last 18 months. He's been limited to just two appearances off the bench so far in the 2026/27 EPL campaign.
Returns on bench
Maddison (shoulder) is on the bench for Saturday's match against Everton.
Analysis: Maddison has returned to training after suffering a shoulder fracture but was not yet ready for the previous match against Nottingham Forest. He is now back in the squad and available from the bench, with his involvement off the bench giving him a chance to build back toward full fitness and reclaim a starting role in the coming weeks.
Option for Everton clash
Maddison (shoulder) is an option for Saturday's clash against Everton, according to coach Roberto De Zerbi, per Football London. "Maddison is back. Yes."
Analysis: Maddison had recently returned to training after suffering a shoulder fracture, though he needed more time before he was ready for the previous match against Nottingham Forest. This update now confirms he has reached the point of being considered for selection, positioning him to potentially reclaim his role in Tottenham's attack after Savio and Mykhailo Mudryk had seen increased playing time in his absence.
Back 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.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare