Tottenham are anxiously awaiting news on James Maddison, who had to leave the pitch during their impressive 2-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The England midfielder had only just returned to the starting XI after a long spell out, so this latest withdrawal is a worry for Roberto De Zerbi as Spurs try to build on their improving form. A groin problem is suspected, and Gary Ward reported on X that Maddison will be assessed during the week. With Crystal Palace visiting next in the Premier League, that assessment should show whether he can face them. No return date has been confirmed, but Tottenham will hope the issue is minor and that their key playmaker avoids another lengthy absence.
It has been a frustrating 18 months for Maddison, whose Spurs career was derailed by a serious ACL injury in August 2025. He missed most of last season, depriving the club of one of its most creative players at a difficult time. His ability to set the tempo, find teammates between the lines and create chances in the final third was badly missed. He came back late in the campaign as a substitute, working towards full fitness and helping De Zerbi’s side secure Premier League survival.
Those cameos were only the first step, and a return to the starting lineup was always the next big milestone. It gave him the chance to rediscover his rhythm and show he could shape games from the first whistle. His form since has been encouraging, and it has renewed Tottenham’s hope that he can be central to their plans.
That progress continued in a 3-1 win over Coventry City, when Maddison scored and helped Spurs claim their first Premier League victory of the 2026/27 season. The result mattered for a side that had struggled for consistency early on, and it showcased the attacking qualities they had been lacking. Maddison offers composure on the ball, a sharp eye for a decisive pass and the confidence to try things that break down stubborn defences. Those traits suit De Zerbi’s evolving style, and his link-up between midfield and attack gives the forwards more room to work. For fans who waited months to see him back in regular action, it was a welcome sign.
Spurs took that momentum to Stamford Bridge and beat Chelsea 2-0, thanks to an own goal and a strike from Mathys Tel. Winning there is never easy, so the result was a big boost for De Zerbi and for a team trying to climb out of its early-season hole. Back-to-back wins can lay the foundation for a better run and help a side under a new manager find its identity. Maddison’s early exit, though, took the shine off the night. Supporters now wonder whether it will affect his availability for the next game, and his fitness will stay in the spotlight until the club gives a clearer update.
As things stand, Ward’s report says Maddison will be assessed this week ahead of the Palace game. A groin issue is suspected, but its extent is unconfirmed and there is no timeline for his return, so it is too early to say whether he will miss the match. Tottenham will weigh the severity of the problem and how he responds, and caution is understandable given how recently he returned to regular football. The encouraging part is that nothing reported suggests a setback on the scale of last season’s ACL injury.
Maddison matters to De Zerbi because he gives Spurs a different attacking dimension. He operates between the opposition’s midfield and defence, creating chances with clever passing and movement, and he can score too, as the Coventry goal showed. Spurs need to be more consistent in possession and sharper against organised defences, and his ability to receive in tight spaces and decide quickly could be key. De Zerbi will also need enough squad depth to cope when important players are out. The Palace game is a chance to extend their good run, and Tottenham must be ready with alternatives if Maddison isn’t cleared. The decision should rest on the medical assessment rather than any rush to bring him back. For now, fans can only hope the Chelsea withdrawal proves a minor blip, and wait for further news this week.
