Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that midfielder James Maddison has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will undergo surgery. The 28-year-old England international sustained the injury during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul and is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Spurs said in a statement: “We can confirm that James Maddison will undergo surgery for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. His surgery will take place in the coming days and, following that, James will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team. Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur wishes James a full and speedy recovery. We will be supporting him every step of the way.”
Maddison collapsed in pain with no one around him and was carried off on a stretcher in the 86th minute. He missed the end of last season with a knee injury but returned last month to feature under new head coach Thomas Frank. His creative role could be filled by summer signing Mohammed Kudus, the 25-year-old Ghana international bought for £54.5m.
Meanwhile, West Ham United have confirmed that Michail Antonio will not be signing a new contract. The 35-year-old forward’s deal expired at the end of June, but the club had not ruled out keeping him. Antonio, who joined from Nottingham Forest in 2015, made 323 appearances and scored 83 goals for the Hammers.
West Ham said: “The club will continue to support and assist him in his ongoing rehabilitation, offering him access to training, facilities and medical care if needed. Dialogue continues over his future involvement with the club in an alternative capacity – including one that would enable others to benefit from his experience and leadership qualities.”
