Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that star midfielder James Maddison will be out of action until next year due to an ankle injury sustained in the 4-1 defeat to Chelsea.
The 26-year-old played a crucial role in helping Tottenham take the lead, operating as a fulcrum in the middle of the park, connecting the defence with the attack.
His impact on the game diminished when Tottenham were reduced to ten men following Cristian Romero’s red card for a foul on Enzo Fernandez.
The situation worsened for Tottenham as Maddison suffered an ankle injury on the stroke of half time and was replaced by Emerson Royal.
Can Spurs cope without Maddison?
There’s a compelling argument for Maddison being the Premier League’s standout summer signing following his remarkable impact at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The 26-year-old has featured in every Premier League game for Spurs this season, contributing three goals and five assists, establishing himself as a crucial component in Postecoglou’s dynamic attacking system.
Maddison ranks fourth for big chances created in the Premier League this season (6), with only Mohamed Salah (11), Kieran Trippier (8) and Moussa Diaby (7) crafting more clear-cut opportunities.
The Englishman is also averaging 2.9 key passes per match and has already been named in the Premier League Team of the Week three times.
Maddison has been a transformative influence on Tottenham, with many now considering them as genuine challengers for the Premier League title.
While such assertions are far-fetched, his injury setback will likely disrupt any plans Tottenham had for a title challenge.
As the linchpin in Postecoglou’s side, a quick glance at the squad reveals the lack of a like-for-like replacement capable of filling the void left by Maddison’s absence.
Make no mistake, an unlikely hero could emerge, but Tottenham’s attacking capabilities may take a sharp decline with Maddison on the sidelines.
Tottenham will be in action nine times before the start of the new year, including high-profile fixtures against Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Manchester United.
Defeat to Chelsea knocked them off the top spot, but having lost their primary creator, Spurs would be lucky to be in and around the top four at the time of Maddison’s return.
