Tottenham supervisor Thomas Frank admitted that James Maddison’s damage in Sunday’s 1-1 pre-season draw with Newcastle United “appears unhealthy” after the midfielder was compelled off in seen ache late within the recreation.
The 28-year-old playmaker, who has solely not too long ago returned to full health, went down clutching his leg with no contact from an opponent within the closing phases of the match.
Medical workers shortly known as for a stretcher, and the England worldwide was taken from the sphere as involved team-mates, together with Heung-Min Son, gathered round.
Son, taking part in in what was his farewell match for the membership, was visibly emotional as Maddison departed on a stretcher.
Frank revealed afterwards that the early indicators steered a major problem with the identical knee that had saved Maddison out of final season’s Europa League closing towards Manchester United.
“Generally in life and soccer issues could be each lovely and brutal,” mentioned Frank.
“That’s what we bought immediately. It appears like with Madders a nasty damage after which on the opposite facet unbelievable scenes for Son from his team-mates and the respect from the Newcastle gamers.
“We’re fairly certain it was the identical knee he injured earlier than.”
Earlier than the damage overshadowed proceedings, the pleasant in Seoul had been an entertaining contest. Tottenham flew out of the blocks and took the lead within the fourth minute when Brennan Johnson struck from distance, his low effort leaving Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope with no likelihood.
Eddie Howe’s facet grew into the match and have been rewarded simply earlier than the interval.
Anthony Gordon discovered house down the left and squared the ball to Harvey Barnes, who coolly guided his end into the underside nook to degree the rating.
The second half noticed each managers make a flurry of adjustments as pre-season priorities shifted in the direction of health and squad rotation.
The stream of the sport was disrupted by the substitutions and later by Maddison’s damage, which forged a shadow over the closing minutes.
The draw was finally of secondary significance to Tottenham, with all eyes now on the extent of Maddison’s setback and whether or not it may rule him out for an prolonged spell at first of the season.
