James Maddison is facing a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a serious-looking knee injury during Tottenham's pre-season friendly against Newcastle in Seoul. The England international was carried off on a stretcher following an unchallenged incident late in the 1-1 draw, with the problem affecting the same knee that kept him out of the Europa League final last season.
Spurs head coach Thomas Frank described the situation as both beautiful and brutal, acknowledging the severity of Maddison's injury while praising the emotional send-off for Son Heung-min. Son, confirmed to be leaving the club this summer after a decade, received a standing ovation and a guard of honour from both sets of players when substituted in the 64th minute.
The South Korea captain, who scored 173 goals in 454 appearances, expressed his gratitude to Frank for understanding his desire for a fresh challenge. “It was a perfect moment,” Son told the club's website. “Spurs will always be in my heart and the boys will always be in my history books.”
Tottenham later announced the loan signing of Portugal midfielder João Palhinha from Bayern Munich, with an option to make the move permanent. The 30-year-old, who won the Bundesliga and Nations League last season, cited Frank's influence as key to his decision to return to the Premier League. “When you feel that someone wants you, it means a lot,” Palhinha said.
