Tottenham Hotspur's interim manager Igor Tudor has delivered an encouraging fitness update on midfielder James Maddison, who has been sidelined since last summer after sustaining a severe cruciate knee ligament injury. Maddison suffered the setback during Tottenham's pre-season tour in South Korea and has not featured in any competitive matches since May, when a separate knee issue occurred during the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt.
Positive Signs in Maddison's Recovery
Tudor expressed hope that the medical team could deliver a pleasant surprise in the coming weeks regarding Maddison's availability. When questioned about the possibility of Maddison playing before the conclusion of the current season, Tudor responded affirmatively, stating, "Yes, he is already doing interesting things with the ball, sprinting as well. I saw him, he is positive."
Maddison himself has shared video footage on social media platforms documenting his rehabilitation process, which includes sprinting drills and turning exercises designed to test his body alignment and stability.
Other Tottenham Injury Updates
The injury news extends beyond Maddison, with Mohamed Kudus and Rodrigo Bentancur also approaching returns to first-team action. Both players have been absent since January due to their respective injuries and are anticipated to be nearing comebacks following the upcoming international break.
Tudor elaborated on their progress, noting, "We have this big three weeks after the game on Sunday. Maybe 10 days, we need to check but he is progressing well. Rodrigo as well. Maddison as well."
There was no specific update provided regarding Dejan Kulusevski, who, similar to Maddison, has not appeared in any matches throughout the entire season.
Immediate Squad Availability
In more immediate team news, Joao Palhinha is expected to return from a concussion injury for Sunday's match against Nottingham Forest. Tudor also expressed confidence that striker Dominic Solanke will be available for selection despite missing Wednesday's game against Atletico Madrid with a hip injury and not participating in Friday's training session.
The interim manager anticipates Solanke will train on Saturday and be included in the matchday squad for the Forest encounter.
Tottenham's schedule provides some breathing room for player recoveries, as they face Nottingham Forest on Sunday but will not play again until traveling to Sunderland on April 12th, having been eliminated from both the FA Cup and Champions League competitions.
