Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has admitted he does not know if James Maddison will play again this season, casting doubt on the midfielder's return from a long-term injury. Maddison has been sidelined since August with an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained during Spurs' pre-season tour of Asia.
The 29-year-old has not played a competitive fixture in exactly a year, since the Europa League semi-final first leg against Bodo Glimt. Although he has been named on the bench in Tottenham's last two matches, De Zerbi has been hesitant to confirm his fitness, suggesting Maddison's role has been more about leadership within the squad.
De Zerbi faces a dilemma as Xavi Simons is out for the season with an ACL injury, leaving Spurs short in midfield. The manager acknowledged Maddison is training well but stressed the need to be cautious, having seen Mohammed Kudus suffer a setback from rushing his recovery. “I don't know, I would like to play with him, because he's a special player, but we have to consider the physical condition,” De Zerbi said.
Despite the uncertainty, De Zerbi praised Maddison's experience and personality, insisting he can still have an impact even if not on the pitch. “I want him to stay inside even if he doesn't play, because when he will be ready to play, I want him 100 per cent inside of the plan of the team,” he added.
