Tottenham opened their 2025-26 Premier League campaign with a win over Burnley on Saturday, but the occasion was marred by a new addition to Thomas Frank’s injury list.
Yves Bissouma was absent from the matchday squad, with Frank confirming at full time that he had picked up an issue in training.
Thomas Frank confirmed a few days later: “Destiny got a knee injury that we're assessing at the moment that just kept him out for this pre-season tour. When we know more, we'll update more."
The midfielder was left out of the Spurs squad to face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup for disciplinary reasons, but he did not return for a Premier League opener against Burnley, as expected.
He said: “Unfortunately he got injured in training yesterday so very unfortunate. An injury we look into how much it is.”
Asked for an update on the player’s condition in July, Frank said of the midfielder: "I don’t like to put a timeline on it [but] put it this way: he’s not ready for the first game of the season."
Kulusevski took to social media recently with a post of him juggling a football with his feet. The caption read: "First time since May."
Spurs have not put a timeframe on how long Maddison will be out but he is set for a long spell on the sidelines, but he is expected to miss much of this season.
A club statement read: “His surgery will take place in the coming days and, following that, James will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team.
“Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur wishes James a full and speedy recovery. We will be supporting him every step of the way.”
The defender recently confirmed that his rehabilitation is going well and he is involved in all the meetings and tactical discussions with Thomas Frank despite being unable to join training with his new manager.
"I had to learn how to walk again. I was on crutches, my knee was really stiff from the surgery. It was a long process but, once I got back to normal walking, it became a positive journey.
He added: "But honestly, I just want to be back on the pitch training with the boys again. I can't wait to be back. I've been working hard, on and off the pitch, with the fitness staff. Once I'm fully fit, I can't wait to be back with the boys and back for the matches too."