Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has spoken candidly about his challenging journey back from an ACL injury, revealing how fatherhood has given him fresh perspective during his rehabilitation.
The 27-year-old England international suffered the devastating knee injury during Tottenham's 4-1 defeat to Chelsea in November, leaving him sidelined for months. In an emotional interview, Maddison shared how becoming a father to two young children has helped him cope with the mental toll of recovery.
The Road to Recovery
"When you're lying there with your leg in a brace, unable to move, it tests you mentally more than physically," Maddison admitted. "But seeing my kids' faces every morning gave me that extra motivation to push through the pain."
The creative midfielder has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation at Tottenham's state-of-the-art training facilities, working closely with the club's medical team to regain full fitness. His progress has reportedly impressed coaches, with manager Ange Postecoglou closely monitoring his return.
Family First
Maddison credits his young family for keeping him grounded during this challenging period. "When I come home from training and my little ones don't care whether I scored or got injured, it puts everything in perspective," he revealed.
The former Leicester City star has been documenting parts of his recovery journey on social media, showing fans glimpses of his gym work and physio sessions. His positive attitude has drawn praise from teammates and supporters alike.
England Ambitions
With Euro 2024 on the horizon, Maddison remains determined to force his way back into Gareth Southgate's plans. "Playing for England is the ultimate honour," he said. "This setback won't change that ambition - if anything, it's made me hungrier."
Medical experts suggest Maddison could return to first-team action by late January, potentially giving him crucial game time before the European Championship. Tottenham fans will be eager to see their £40m signing back orchestrating play in Postecoglou's attacking system.
As Maddison continues his rehabilitation, his story serves as an inspiring reminder of resilience in professional sport - and the power of family support during tough times.
