Tottenham Hotspur’s push for European glory and a long-awaited domestic trophy has taken a major blow, with star midfielder James Maddison officially ruled out for the remainder of the 2024–25 season following a serious knee injury.
Maddison, a standout performer throughout the campaign, suffered the injury during Spurs’ Europa League semi-final first leg clash against Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt. Though he managed to open the scoring with a superb finish in the 34th minute, the night took a dark turn when he was forced off in the 65th minute after a collision led to visible discomfort.
Post-match assessments confirmed fans’ worst fears — a knee injury severe enough to keep the England international sidelined for the rest of the season. Manager Ange Postecoglou described the news as “a bitter setback,” acknowledging Maddison’s influence on and off the pitch.
Crucial Loss at a Critical Time
Maddison has been the heartbeat of Tottenham’s attacking play, tallying 12 goals and 10 assists across all competitions. His creativity, vision, and leadership have been instrumental in Spurs’ resurgence under Postecoglou. His absence now places additional pressure on the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, Giovani Lo Celso, and youngster Pape Matar Sarr to step up in the final stretch of the campaign.
Spurs head into the second leg of their Europa League semi-final with a 3–1 lead, but the absence of Maddison casts a long shadow over their momentum and morale.
UEFA Backlash Adds to the Drama
Adding insult to injury, UEFA faced backlash after its Europa League social media account posted what many considered a mocking photo of Maddison following his injury. The image — showing the player winking and giving a thumbs-up — was swiftly deleted after fans and broadcasters criticized its insensitivity.
Injury Crisis Deepens
Maddison isn’t the only player on Tottenham’s casualty list. Highly rated youngster Lucas Bergvall (ankle) and defender Radu Drăgușin (ACL) are also out for the season. To compound the issue, captain Son Heung-min is a doubt for upcoming fixtures due to a foot injury.
Can Spurs Cope Without Their Star?
With the Premier League season nearing its climax and European ambitions hanging in the balance, Tottenham now faces its biggest test. The squad’s depth and determination will be scrutinized as they try to end their 17-year wait for silverware without one of their most influential players.
For the fans, Maddison’s injury is more than a personal disappointment — it’s a pivotal moment in a campaign that promised so much.
