James Maddison returns after ACL injury and features against Hoffenheim
James Maddison has returned to Tottenham Hotspur training after a long absence caused by an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The latest reporting says he is available for selection for Tottenham’s Premier League opener at Brentford, although there is no indication that he is certain to start.
James Maddison returns after ACL injury and features against Hoffenheim
Maddison played 45 minutes in Tottenham’s 2-2 behind-closed-doors friendly against Hoffenheim at Hotspur Way. It was his first start for the club since May 2025, according to Football London.
The midfielder began the match but was replaced by Reiss Elliot-Parris at half-time. During his appearance, he conceded the penalty from which Adam Hlozek gave Hoffenheim the lead. Ben Davies and Luca Williams-Barnett then scored for Tottenham before Valentin Gendrey equalised in the second half. The Standard also reported that this was Maddison’s first and only pre-season appearance after he had been troubled by an unspecified issue following his knee injury.
The match was a friendly held behind closed doors, rather than a competitive fixture. Maddison’s 45 minutes provided evidence of a return to match activity, but the available reports do not establish that he is ready to play a full match or start the league season.
What is known about his injury lay-off
Maddison suffered a ruptured ACL and missed most of the 2025-26 season. He returned as a substitute against Leeds in May, after what BBC Sport described as 375 days out of action. The BBC reported that he had found the prolonged absence difficult, particularly while watching Tottenham struggle for creativity during the campaign.
Tottenham survived on the final day of that season and finished two points above the relegation zone, according to the BBC report. Maddison said it had been frustrating to be unable to help the team while injured.
His recovery also coincided with major changes at home. Maddison told the BBC that he and his partner were caring for five children aged four and under, after the birth of their second set of twins. He described the period as the toughest year of his life and credited his family with helping him through it.
Is Maddison available against Brentford?
A report from Cartilage Free Captain, citing The Standard, said Maddison was back in training and available for Roberto De Zerbi’s selection for the season opener at Brentford. The same report noted that he had been managed cautiously and suggested that a start would be surprising after his limited pre-season involvement.
The latest confirmed playing evidence is therefore his 45-minute appearance against Hoffenheim, followed by a report that he was available for selection. Whether De Zerbi starts him, uses him from the bench or limits his involvement is not established by the available reporting.