James Maddison is already set for a busy summer after featuring for Tottenham Hotspur on Monday.
The Englishman finally returned from a cruciate ligament tear at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League clash with Leeds United.
Roberto De Zerbi called on the attacking midfielder with five minutes to go as he made his first appearance after 254 days and 46 games out.
The 29-year-old came on but couldn’t have a match-winning impact as Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s penalty meant the points were shared in North London.
There will now be questions over Maddison’s fitness as the final weeks of the season approach, with a pre-season plan seemingly already in place.
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James Maddison in for busy summer at Tottenham
The number 10 has struggled with various injury problems throughout his career, but nowhere as much as N17.
He has already faced four separate issues since signing from Leicester City in 2023, with his latest being by far the worst.
Having been on the sidelines since August 2025, extra steps will be taken to ensure the same issue doesn’t recur.
Former scout Bryan King has suggested that any holidays will be on the back burner for Maddison as he prepares to work hard throughout pre-season.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, King said: “He’s got a hard summer ahead, that’s for sure.
“If he gets a holiday, he’ll be lucky because he’s been out for 10 months.
“Spurs will want him in the side next season, that’s for sure.
“He was involved in the controversy straight away with the potential penalty.
“He’s a talented player, but he’s got to get himself properly match fit so he can play at least 30 games next season.
“I think him and Gallagher would certainly be an interesting pairing.”
Maddison’s return is a long-awaited boost for Tottenham, but it looks likely that his main impact will come next season rather than right now.
Maddison minutes to be limited in final two Premier League games
With all eyes seemingly on a busy summer for the ex-England international, there will be less focus on the final weeks of the Premier League season.
Spurs may be facing the threat of relegation, but they can’t rush the attacking midfielder back even with just two games remaining.
De Zerbi may call on Maddison away to Chelsea and at home to Everton, but too many minutes could prove to be detrimental.
Considering he’s only played one game all season, it would be wise to allow him to rest and be fully ready for the new campaign.
Maddison now needs to put in the work and prove what value he can provide next campaign once he’s fully fit.
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