Tottenham’s James Maddison ‘concerns’ made clear amid new injury update

James Maddison's future is still at Tottenham despite the midfielder yet to fully bounce back from injury, sources have told Football Insider.

The Englishman spent most of last campaign on the sidelines, only emerging in the final few weeks of the season in a cameo role.

Recovering from his ACL injury has been far from easy, and the attacking midfielder is regaining his match fitness slowly.

And as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, he is expected to remain with the Lilywhites.

That is important news for Tottenham, who desperately need leaders such as the Englishman within their squad.

With the midfielder himself has a point to prove this season.

James Maddison backed to silence Tottenham critics after injury lay-off

Maddison's role under Roberto De Zerbi has come under fire following his lack of involvement this season.

Before his long-term injury, the 29-year-old was a guaranteed starter for Spurs.

Questions have been asked about whether Maddison's future remains in N17, with those concerns being put to bed.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I shared: "I don’t think there are any concerns about his future.

"The criticism is a bit harsh. He’s only made five substitute appearances so far this season. And we’ve got to remember, Maddison is still working his way back to full match sharpness and fitness after that long spell out injury.

"He missed almost a year of action with that serious injury that he had, and he obviously came back at the back end of last season.

"A fit and firing James Madison improves that Tottenham team for me; there’s no doubt about that, and I’m sure he’ll have a point to prove himself after that long spell out injured.

"He’ll want to get back to full fitness and prove that he still is a top player."

Tottenham fans must remain patient

Every player recovers from a long-term injury differently, and while Maddison's has been much slower than hoped, Spurs are right to take their time.

The Englishman can be a difference maker on the pitch, and rushing him back to a plethora of minutes too soon would not be smart.

Time will tell if Maddison ever returns to his best, but forcing him into the starting XI each week is not the way to go about reaching that goal.