Tottenham Hotspur has been dealt a potential injury setback with James Maddison on the cusp of the new Premier League season, amid transfer links to Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott.
Spurs, who were up against Newcastle United in Seoul, South Korea on Sunday, saw their No. 10 carried off the pitch in evident discomfort. The game also saw Eddie Howe issue an update on Alexander Isak after Liverpool saw a bid rejected last week.
Maddison seemed to have not collided with an opponent before hopping on one foot and collapsing in obvious pain, necessitating medical attention. Pending the diagnosis, this could pose a problem for manager Thomas Frank, who has aspirations to challenge reigning Premier League champions Liverpool in the 2025/26 season.
Should they need to, Spurs will have just under a month to secure a replacement via the open transfer market. Interestingly, GIVEMESPORT recently suggested that the London club was among several eyeing Elliott after a failed bid to sign Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White.
The 22-year-old earned a Premier League winner's medal last season, albeit with a diminished role under Arne Slot compared to his previous tenure under Jurgen Klopp.
His campaign concluded with 28 appearances but only totalled 822 minutes on the pitch. This resulted in a modest tally of five goals and three assists across all competitions.
Over the summer, his prospects brightened considerably after playing for England at the Under-21 European Championships, where Lee Carsley's squad emerged victorious and the Liverpool youngster was crowned player of the tournament.
Back in Liverpool, the Reds were in full swing with their summer transfer business, bringing in seven new faces so far. Among the arrivals was Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, who joined for a record-breaking British fee, adding further competition to his position.
Elliott has openly discussed his situation and the tough choice he faces between battling for his spot at Anfield or seeking a new venture elsewhere.
In a candid chat with The Anfield Wrap last week, he confessed: "If I had it my way I would be here for the rest of my career, it's as simple as that.
"I love everything about the club, but at the same time I kind of need to be selfish and see what's best for me. I have big ambitions. I want to get in the World Cup squad.
"I want to keep being successful as a player. It's something I still need to review. I need to have a talk with everyone and review the situation.
"We have many new players who have come in so whether it blocks the path for me I'm not sure. It's something I need to have a look at and decide."