James Maddison was stretched for Tottenham in their pre -season friendly draw with Newcastle in South Korea -in what Thomas Frank described as a “brutal” injury.
The midfielder of Spurs came up as a 75th minute replacement and was only on the field for nine minutes before he started to bump intensely and appeared in real discomfort.
Maddison looked distraught – with his head in his hands – while he was stretched off the field. It is the same knee that the English international saw the end of last season missing, including the last triumph of Spurs' Europa League.
After the game, Frank described Maddison's last injury as a “brutal” -because it was disfigured an emotional afternoon with departing spurs captain Heung -Min Son, an honorary guard given by both sets of players while he was replaced in his home country before his expected traces depart.
“I think sometimes in life and football things can be both beautiful and cheeky,” said the Spurs boss. “That's what we got today.
“It looks like Madders a bad injury and on the other hand incredible scenes for Son from his teammates and the respect of the Newcastle players.”
This is another damage to the midfielder – who had just returned from a long -term knee problem at the end of May.
What does Maddison Blow mean for Spurs summer plans?
Sam -Blitz from Sky Sports:
Tottenham was already looking for a new attacking midfielder in this transfer window – this Maddison -Klap, as bad as it was drowned, means that they need more now.
Spurs tried to bring in Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest by activating his £ 60m release clause. But the side of Evangelos Marinakis succeeded in preventing the deal from first taking legal steps against Tottenham and the player of the player – before he convinced the English international to sign a new contract.
The attacks of midfield is also an area where traces are short. Dejan Kulusevski will miss the start of the season while recovering from the knee operation he had in May. The attacking place of the captain Son may also have to be replaced.
Spurs does have a temporary attacking midfield solution in Pape Sarr, who scored from a more advanced position during the preseason, while new £ 55 million Mohammed Kudus can play in central areas.
But Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke are currently also injured, the injury problems of Spurs that have plagued their campaign in the last term have been transferred to the current campaign.
With the new boss Frank who wants to improve the ability of Spurs to compete on several fronts, this is not the best start for life in North Londs.