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Tottenham Hotspur's pre-season friendly against Newcastle United took a troubling turn on Sunday as midfielder James Maddison was stretchered off the pitch in visible distress. The 28-year-old collapsed following a challenge and left the field in tears, sparking deep concern among teammates and fans alike.
Worrying signs after innocuous tackle
The incident unfolded after a seemingly harmless collision with Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga. Maddison did not immediately hit the ground but limped off holding his head, a gesture that signaled he may have known the severity of the injury.
Remaining upright for several seconds, Maddison hobbled on and off the pitch before finally collapsing and clutching his knee. Medical staff were quickly called into action, prompting a lengthy stoppage as players, including Lucas Bergvall and Son Heung-min, looked on with visible concern.
Emotional scenes on the pitch
Son, who had just exited the match moments earlier following an emotional farewell appearance, was seen showing serious concern for his teammate. The emotional weight of the situation was palpable as Maddison lay on the turf, eventually being stretchered off with his hands covering his face.
Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank confirmed in his post-match press conference that the injury affects the same knee Maddison injured in May, a setback that had previously sidelined him for nearly three months.
Recurring knee trouble casts doubt on Maddison’s season
Last season, Maddison made 45 appearances across all competitions but missed the final stretch due to a knee ligament injury sustained during a Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt. Though surgery was avoided, the England international was only recently cleared to return to action and had featured briefly in a pre-season win over Arsenal just days earlier.
His appearance against Newcastle lasted just over five minutes before the fresh injury occurred.
Thomas Frank reflects on a bitter-sweet evening
Speaking after the 1-1 draw, which saw goals from Brennan Johnson and Harvey Barnes, Frank said:
We're pretty sure it was the same knee he injured before. I think sometimes in life and football things can be both beautiful and brutal. That's what we got today.
It looks like with Madders a bad injury and then on the other side unbelievable scenes for Son from his teammates and the respect from the Newcastle players.
First we had the walkaround and then the teammates gathered around and he was emotional. In the changing room it was more of the same. I just said a few things but not much because it's about Sonny and then he said a few things. It was beautiful.
The pre-season match with Newcastle United finished in a 1-1 draw.
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