James Maddison receives treatment against Newcastle United.placeholder image
James Maddison receives treatment against Newcastle United. | Getty Images
James Maddison was in tears as he had to be stretchered off against Newcastle United on Sunday.
It was a tearful pre-season friendly meeting for Tottenham Hotspur as the side drew 1-1 with Premier League rivals Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.
The fixture doubled up as a farewell for Son Heung-min, who played his last match for the club ahead of his expected move to MLS outfit LAFC. The South Korean’s departure ends a ten year stay in north London.
James Maddison suffers fresh injury blow
Thomas Frank has had to be cautious with the England international’s minutes ahead of the upcoming campaign after his injury woes last term. Maddison missed the final four matches of the Premier League season and the Europa League final with a knee injury.
The 28-year-old came off the bench against Arsenal last week and was again handed a second half cameo against Newcastle United. Maddison had only recently come on the pitch when he pulled up following a routine challenge with Newcastle United summer signing Anthony Elanga.
There wasn’t any contact between the two players but Maddison appeared to twist his leg. The player immediately put his hand in the air to signal to the bench before hobbling, and eventually hitting the deck. The midfielder was quickly seen to by physios but covered his face with his hands and buried it into the turf as he appeared to cry, hinting that he felt it could be another serious problem.
Thomas Frank confirms Maddison injury ‘looks bad’
Tottenham Hotspur teammates looked concerned as they gathered around the player, Lucas Bergvall holding his head in his hands. Meanwhile, Frank rushed to the bench and was picked up on cameras looking very worried as he scratched his head at the situation. Speaking after the match, the Spurs boss said: “James Maddison’s injury looks bad. It was a brutal moment.”
Son Heung-min, who had just come off the pitch himself, was another who was emotive in reacting. The forward sprang up from the bench and onto the touchline as he watched Maddison receive treatment. The South Korea international, who had just dried his tears following an emotional goodbye, was visibly concerned as he struggled to watch, covering his face with his hands.
Maddison and Son are known to be particularly close friends on and off the pitch. When asked about the forward’s imminent departure this week, Maddison said: “He told me a couple of days ago that he would be leaving Tottenham this summer. It is weird for me. Since I joined the Premier League, even with Leicester City, Sonny is Tottenham, and Tottenham is Sonny.
“It is weird to think about Tottenham Hotspur without Heung-Min Son. It is a little bit emotional as he is a very close friend. I love him very dearly. He is an amazing human.
“I just don’t have enough time or words to tell you how I actually feel about him. I cannot say enough good words about him. I will miss him very dearly, but he is my friend for life.”
In other news, Tottenham Player Ratings: 'Engine room' 9/10 but 'out of depth' 6 against Newcastle United.
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