Tottenham Hotspur's title challenge has faced another setback. "Vice-captain" James Maddison (29) is expected to be out for the season.
The British "BBC" reported on the 5th (Korea time) that "the injured Maddison is expected not to play in the remaining matches of the season. He seems set to miss the last three weeks due to a knee injury."
The media noted, "Maddison scored in the match where Tottenham won 3-1 against Bode/Glimt last Thursday but suffered an injury. Immediately after the match, head coach Ange Postecoglou showed a positive reaction. However, it was revealed on Friday morning that Maddison's injury is more serious than initially thought. This was confirmed through scans."
The feared situation has occurred. Maddison scored Tottenham's second goal in the first leg of the 2024-2025 season UEFA Europa League (UEL) semifinal against Bode/Glimt at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the 2nd, leading the team to a 3-1 victory.
However, Maddison could not finish the game unscathed. He suddenly complained of pain and collapsed on the field in the 18th minute of the second half and was substituted shortly after. After the match, coach Postecoglou remarked that Dominic Solanke, who collapsed beside him, seems to be okay, but added, "I am more concerned about Maddison. I am waiting for more information. I’m more worried about Maddison than Solanke."
The uneasy feeling has not missed reality. Maddison is now in danger of finishing the season early. The British "Talksport" reported that "Tottenham has suffered a major blow with concerns that a key player could be out for a long time. Maddison is expected to be unable to play for the rest of the season after suffering a severe knee injury."
The media added, "According to sources, there are fears that Maddison could miss an extended period if surgery is required. Examination results are expected to be released within the next 24 hours. His season appears to be over ahead of Tottenham's second leg in the UEFA Europa League semifinal."
Once Maddison goes under the knife, a season-ending absence is inevitable. With only three Premier League matches remaining, Tottenham will play their final match at home on the 26th. Now, with only three weeks left in the season, recovery time is tight.
Additionally, the authoritative BBC has confirmed Maddison's season-ending status. The media stated, "According to sources, Maddison is being evaluated for potential damage to his knee ligaments. The extent will be confirmed within the next 48 hours," and noted, "This news will be a significant blow to Tottenham, who are aiming for a final entry through the second leg of the UEFA Europa League semifinal in Norway on Thursday."
With Maddison also falling, the alarm has been raised for Tottenham’s hopes of escaping a trophyless season. Currently, Tottenham is experiencing its worst season in 16th place in the Premier League, but has a strong chance of reaching the final in the UEL. Holding onto their last hope, Tottenham is focusing all efforts on the UEL to lift a trophy for the first time since winning the League Cup in 2007-2008.
However, a series of injury setbacks are occurring. Another key midfielder, Lucas Beryval, has already ended his season due to an ankle ligament injury. Captain Son Heung-min is also undergoing rehabilitation for nearly a month due to a foot injury. If Maddison, who has scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists in 45 matches this season, is added to that, the impact will undoubtedly be significant.
The biggest problem is that even if Tottenham reaches the final, they will have to fight without Maddison. He is not expected to recover in time before the final, even if he rests during the away match against Bode on the 9th. Even if he rushes back, he won't be in peak condition.
The BBC has reported, "It is almost certain that Maddison will miss not only the second leg of the UEFA Europa League semifinal but also the final held in Bilbao, Spain, later this month."
Meanwhile, Son Heung-min's return timeline remains uncertain. He played about 80 minutes before being substituted in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal against Frankfurt on the 11th of last month, and has not played since. He has missed the last six matches due to a foot injury. Son Heung-min also cheered for his teammates from the stands during the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semifinal against Bode/Glimt held on the 2nd.
Nonetheless, Son Heung-min has not yet fully recovered. Fortunately, he has returned to training, but his participation in the second leg against Bode is uncertain. Some have even expressed concerns that he could miss the season entirely. Previously, "Tottenham Hotspur News" worried that Son Heung-min may have already played his last match in a Tottenham jersey.
For now, coach Postecoglou has expressed a positive outlook. He said, "Son Heung-min is working hard. He is recovering and getting better every day. He is still training individually, but is training on the grass. I will monitor his condition to see if he can play on Thursday." The Tottenham club also stated, "Son Heung-min is continuing to work hard to shake off his foot injury."
For Son Heung-min, he must quickly regain his condition to capture his first career trophy. He has played for 10 years at Tottenham without lifting a major tournament trophy. It is crucial that Son Heung-min, who remains a key player under coach Postecoglou, returns in time to enhance Tottenham's chances of breaking a 17-year trophy drought. Manchester United is likely to be the opponent in the final.
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