2026-02-22 12:31:20
James Maddison has experienced some “dark days” since sustaining his serious knee injury.
The Tottenham midfielder hasn’t played since suffering the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in a pre-season game against Newcastle last July and found it hard to accept such a devastating setback in what was set to be a crucial year for both club and country.
Maddison told FourFourTwo magazine: “It was painful.
“It was difficult to accept, with a big season ahead, a World Cup year. But it is what it is, you have to deal with it, crack on with the rehab and smile in the face of adversity. I’ve been working hard every day, head down, grit my teeth and get through it.
“There have been some tough days, some dark days, lonely days. But I’ll get there and be back better and stronger. I have no doubt.
“The medical team at Spurs is amazing, everyone has been so supportive. Like myself, they can’t wait to see me back on the pitch.”
The injury has seemingly ended Maddison’s hopes of making the England squad for this summer’s World Cup in North America – but it is something that he isn’t focused on at present.
The playmaker said: “That’s not my priority. I’m just focusing on the rehab, not looking too far ahead – it’s been day by day, getting my knee right, feeling good and feeling strong, and the rest will take care of itself, like it always has done.”
Maddison has only won seven England caps but considers his international debut in 2019 to be one of the finest moments of his career.
He said: “I always wanted to play in the Premier League, to play for England, and I’ve achieved both. Just putting the shirt on, seeing your name on the back of an official England shirt, it’s literally what you dream of as a kid.
“Back then, I had (Wayne) Rooney, (Steven) Gerrard, (Michael) Owen, all on the back of shirts, dreaming that one day I’d have my name on the back. Then I did.”
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