Spurs and England midfielder James Maddison has been working hard behind the scenes to return stronger in the summer and complete a full pre‑season
10:26, 09 Apr 2026
James Maddison
View 2 Images
James Maddison is back on the grass(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
James Maddison is edging closer to recovering from the serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) he sustained in pre‑season. The 29‑year‑old had to be stretchered off during Tottenham's pre‑season match against Newcastle United in Seoul and has missed the majority of the Premier League campaign so far.
In his absence, Spurs have parted company with two managers, Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor, with Roberto De Zerbi now in the dugout.
Since stepping away from the pitch, Maddison has documented his rehabilitation after undergoing surgery on a cruciate knee injury.
In a new update on Instagram, the midfielder shared a video of the Spurs admin filming him as they zoomed in on the muscle in his leg.
James Maddison
View 2 Images
The midfielder shared the clip on Instagram
"Admin needs to work on the angle of videoing," he wrote, followed by laughing and muscle emojis.
This comes after Spurs shared footage of Maddison training in the gym, which quickly went viral.
FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE!Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Fans have been stunned by the noticeable difference in the muscle mass in his legs.
One fan replied: "You could see Maddison has lost a lot weight, especially in his leg muscles. When he is fit, he is a joy to watch. I wish him a speedy return," while a second added: "Something wrong with his legs."
Content cannot be displayed without consent
A third continued: "Looking at that, it's going to be a while still. Poor guy." Another remarked: "If this is a recent piece of footage it's going to be a bit longer... The difference in his legs tell you that."
The former Leicester City man revealed how lonely he has felt at times and his battle with the mental side throughout his rehabilitation.
Grand National 2026 Preview: 48-Page Guide with Tips, Runners & Expert Analysis
The 48-page guide to the 2026 Randox Grand National is packed with interviews, features, stats and all you need for the 178th running of the world's greatest steeplechase - click here to order your copy today.
"It was painful," he explained. "It was difficult to accept, with a big season ahead, a World Cup year.
"But it is what it is, you have to deal with it, crack on with the rehab and smile in the face of adversity.
"I've been working hard every day, head down, grit my teeth and get through it. There have been some tough days, some dark days, lonely days.
"But I’ll get there and be back better and stronger, I have no doubt."
Article continues below
Despite being back on the grass in recent weeks, he is still expected to remain sidelined for the rest of the season, with the club unlikely to take any risks.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£44
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.