James Maddison – Suffered ACL injury in preseason, had surgery, set to miss most of the season, possible return April–May 2026.
Tottenham Hotspur are under growing strain as the summer transfer window approaches its closing stages. With fans demanding significant reinforcements and Thomas Frank already juggling a depleted squad, injuries have quickly become the dominant theme of Spurs’ season.
The biggest concern revolves around new arrival Dominic Solanke. Signed from Bournemouth amid high expectations, the striker now faces a major setback. Multiple reports suggest his condition has deteriorated, with surgery likely required before he can return. That possibility throws his short-term future into doubt and leaves Spurs scrambling for alternatives up front. Frank initially attempted to play down the issue before the Bournemouth game, saying:
“It’s just a minor ankle problem. It’s been bothering him since pre-season, but with the international break coming, we hope he’ll be fine after that.”
Yet the latest updates indicate the problem may be far more severe. Should surgery go ahead, Solanke could be sidelined for months, denying Tottenham the powerful forward they had hoped would add depth and goals to Frank’s attack.
Solanke’s setback isn’t the only blow. Midfielder Yves Bissouma has also been ruled out. The Malian international was on the verge of leaving for Turkey this summer, but that move collapsed after he failed a medical. Now, an injury confirmed by Frank before Spurs’ win over Manchester City further thins their midfield.
Adding to the crisis is James Maddison’s ongoing absence. The England playmaker is recovering from a serious ACL injury, with no timeline set for his return. Unlike Solanke, who might reappear later this season, Maddison’s outlook remains bleak. His absence robs Frank of the creative spark intended to connect midfield and attack, putting extra pressure on newcomers Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons.
Defensively, Spurs are also stretched. Radu Dragusin continues his recovery from a long-term ACL problem, with hopes of a comeback before Christmas. Until then, Tottenham remain short of cover at the back.
For Frank, the timing could hardly be worse. He inherited a squad that, despite winning the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou, slumped to 17th in the Premier League last season. The task of restoring stability and pushing for Europe has only become more daunting with Solanke, Bissouma, and Maddison unavailable.
This injury crisis also heightens the pressure on Daniel Levy and ENIC. Supporters, already frustrated after years of stagnation, expect swift action in the final days of the window to plug the gaps. Failure to do so risks undermining Tottenham’s campaign before it gathers any momentum.
Injuries are inevitable in football, but for Spurs, the timing and scale of these setbacks could hardly be more damaging. Without decisive moves in the market, Frank’s tenure risks being derailed before it has even begun.
