Innocuous injuries always prompt the worst fears. Tottenham’s have just been confirmed.

On Sunday, James Maddison suffered such misfortune. The 28-year-old was in obvious agony after turning awkwardly during Spurs’ pre-season draw against Newcastle in Seoul, hobbling horribly before dropping to the turf in anguish.

It will be the last we see of him on a football pitch for some time.

Spurs have now confirmed that Maddison ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, a nightmare scenario for any player. He will miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season.

It is desperate news for Maddison, who has had wretched luck. He sat out the Europa League final due to an injury in the same knee, just as he was regaining his top form, and he is now very unlikely to force his way into

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