James Maddison looks on as Roberto De Zerbi refuses to risk the midfielder during pre-season action in Sydney. [Image via BBC]
Tottenham were beaten 3-0 by Brentford.
It has been some weekend for Spurs faithful and just when the fans at N17 thought that it could not get any grimmer, news of a fresh worry attached to James Maddison came through after the former Leicester City midfielder made a cameo appearance in Tottenham’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford on Sunday.
Roberto De Zerbi named a side which was shy of a few key names at Gtech Community Stadium. And Maddison himself was only fit enough for to earn himself a place in the substitutes. He did come on though, late in the game. His appearance was more so towards building his match fitness and with a hope that his qualities are enough to change the game.
And lets be honest, he did show early signs that he still has the touch that makes him so central to how RDZ wants to play.
Maddison injury concerns emerge as Mike McGrath gives latest on him
But then Maddison went down awkwardly late in the game after landing heavily and it looked like he had caught his shoulder in the process. At the time many fans didn’t really look at it with seriousness especially given the backdrop of what was already a humiliating scoreline. But reports since suggest that Spurs are not taking any chances with him this time around.
According to journalist Mike McGrath, Maddison is set to undergo further checks on the knock that he suffered against Brentford. There are hopes that he can be involved next weekend when Tottenham host Newcastle United.
James Maddison needed checks on knock sustained in Tottenham's defeat to Brentford. The 29yo fell awkwardly on shoulder after coming on as he stepped up comeback. Hopes he'll be involved at weekend vs #NUFC
🔵⚪#SPURS #THFC @TeleFootball
— Mike McGrath (@mcgrathmike) August 24, 2026
Spurs are doing these checks more as a precaution than having something serious to point at. But for the Lilywhites fans who spent watching Maddison on the sidelines for better part of last season given his ACL problem will understand why every twinge with him gets treated with extra care at Hotspur Way.
Author Opinion
Given the news, it would be surprising to see him being risked by De Zerbi in this midweek’s EFL Cup second round game against Charlton Athletic. Given his history it would be sensible for Tottenham to rest him and rather ease him back when we are more closer to that Newcastle game.
For Tottenham, time and again last season we saw how this side does need that magic that Maddison brings to the table. He brings that guile and final pass that Tottenham need desperately especially in the system that RDZ is building.
But we will see how he progresses from here.