James Maddison has provided Tottenham supporters with an insight into the ACL injury that has hampered his season.
The 28-year-old was stretchered off against Newcastle during the pre-season friendly in South Korea and is expected to miss the entirety of the 2025/26 campaign.
While his absence has been felt, new boss Thomas Frank has enjoyed a phenomenal start to his tenure, guiding Spurs to third in the league table, only two points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
Maddison played an influential role in North London last season, providing 12 goals and 10 assists across all competitions as he helped his side lift the Europa League.
Now, the Englishman has showcased the graphic aftermath of his recent knee surgery during the early weeks of his rehabilitation.
James Maddison reveals image of knee post-surgery
In a video released on his personal YouTube channel, Maddison has documented his recovery from the ACL injury.
The Tottenham medical staff can be seen working on the stitches, with the scar stretching from the bottom of Maddison’s knee to the top of his shin.
Tottenham’s £52 million acquisition Xavi Simons will likely be the main option in the number 10 role for Frank this season, with the brutal reality of Maddison’s injury setback laid bare.
He faces a long road to recovery before he can take the pitch again at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and his injury could not have been more ill-timed – he was playing some of the best football of his career.
Maddison compared his scar to that of teammate Radu Dragusin, who suffered an identical injury during Spurs’ 3-0 win against Elfsborg in the Europa League back in January.
Although he is currently nursing one of the most severe injuries a football player can sustain, there is a glimmer of hope that the England international could still play a role for Spurs this season.
Dragusin returned to Tottenham training in September, and while he has yet to be named in a matchday squad, he endured only a seven-month absence.
James Maddison is on track for a full recovery
Maddison has received further encouragement that he will make a smooth recovery in North London after meeting with one of the doctors.
He said that he hopes to return to action sooner than anticipated so he can help his teammates in any capacity during the back end of the season.
After a scan, the doctor informed the midfielder that no concerns were found and that, for now, he is progressing as expected towards a full recovery.
“I’ve done so many. I give you percentages, etc. And your percentages are very good, and you should be fine. I’ve not seen anything on your scan that worries me.”