James Maddison Injury Update: Early Setback for Tottenham

Roberto De Zerbi has been hit with an early-season setback, confirming that James Maddison has picked up a fresh injury just as he was edging back into the Tottenham fold.

The midfielder’s summer was already about caution and control. After missing most of last season following surgery on a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, Spurs handled him carefully in pre-season, limiting his minutes and refusing to gamble on his fitness.

Even so, Maddison did make it back in time for the opening weekend of the Premier League. He was named on the bench and came on for Mikey Moore for the final 22 minutes of a bruising 3-0 defeat at Brentford on Saturday, a game that offered Tottenham little comfort and even less encouragement.

Then came another jolt.

During that short cameo, the 29-year-old landed awkwardly on his shoulder. Medical staff assessed the damage in the days that followed, and De Zerbi moved to play down the severity when he faced the media before Wednesday’s Carabao Cup second-round tie against Charlton in north London.

“Maddison suffered a small injury in his shoulder,” De Zerbi said, describing it as a minor issue but one that still dents Spurs’ plans at a time when they are trying to build rhythm and confidence.

The Maddison news was not the only fitness update. Mohammed Kudus, the Ghanaian forward signed to add power and incision to the attack, remains unavailable. De Zerbi confirmed Kudus is “not yet ready” to feature as he continues his recovery from a long-term quad injury that has kept him out since early January. His return will have to wait.

There was better news at the other end of the pitch. New club captain Micky van de Ven is set to be named on the bench against Charlton, a significant boost after a stop-start summer. The Dutch defender did not play a single minute in pre-season following his World Cup campaign with the Netherlands and then missed the Brentford loss with a minor, unspecified problem.

Pedro Porro, Van de Ven’s vice-captain, is also due to be among the substitutes. Like his captain, he sat out pre-season and the Brentford defeat as he worked his way back to full fitness after helping Spain win the World Cup in North America earlier in the summer.

There is likely to be a first glimpse of one of Tottenham’s marquee signings. Savio is in line to make his debut after completing an £85million move from Manchester City on Tuesday, adding a fresh attacking option and a jolt of excitement to a squad that badly needs a lift.

Up front, Dominic Solanke is expected to start, handed the chance to lead the line and stake an early claim for a regular role. Teenager Luca Williams-Barnett will be on the bench, another nod to the blend of big-money signings and emerging talent De Zerbi is trying to shape.

Injuries, new arrivals, returning World Cup winners – it is a lot to juggle before the end of August. How quickly De Zerbi can turn this patchwork into a coherent, winning side will define Tottenham’s early season.