Tottenham bring in doctor thousands of miles after injury as shared recovery timeline
Tottenham remain mired in relegation trouble, but James Maddison is ready and backed to make a difference after his much-anticipated return from injury on Monday.
Maddison was introduced from the bench in the 85th minute of Spurs' 1-1 draw at home to Leeds to make his first competitive appearance in 375 days.
Regular Maddison described the campaign as “one to forget” for everyone associated with Spurs on Monday after a brilliant performance in the draw left the club 17th and two points off the Premier League play-off spot with two games remaining.
However, Maddison is finally able to contribute after a disappointing display and his old boss Daniel Farke has no doubt that “the footballer” can make an impact after having a front seat to his comeback where he almost won a stoppage time penalty against Leeds.
Maddison flourished under the Leeds boss at Norwich, and Farke said: “I have a soft spot for James Maddison. He was my player at a very young age.
“If you like football then you like James Maddison because he is a pure footballer.
“It's regrettable (sorry) when a good footballer and a good person is out for a long time, but I'm happy to see him back in the final day squads.
“He hasn't shown in the last few minutes, even though he's been out for a long time, he can be there with an important pass, or an important cross or a decisive set-piece.
“He's also smart in and around the box to win sometimes smart free-kicks or maybe try to win a penalty sometimes. It's always good when you have an option like James Maddison. I'm sure he'll be able to and can play an important role in the run-in.”
Maddison scored 12 goals and produced 11 assists for Spurs during a roller-coaster 2024-25 campaign.
No Tottenham player has reached that figure this season and unwanted records have fallen – including a 15-game winless run in the Premier League.
De Zerbi is preparing to throw Tottenham youngsters into the 'deep end' next season
He is seen as a 'big' talent.
Even though Maddison may be limited to substitutes against Chelsea and Everton, his composure, composure and quality in the final third should help Spurs regardless of the match situation.
But just as the England international is nearing his return, Spurs have lost club captain Cristian Romero to a hamstring injury, with Argentine media sharing an interesting update on his recovery timeline.
Tottenham are bringing in a specialist to manage Romero's injury
According to Diario Crónica, via Sport Witness, Romero's recovery plans have changed in recent days.
The Spurs defender was supposed to continue his rehabilitation at the national team's training center in Argentina, but decided to stay in London because of the battle for survival.
Kinesiologist Luis García will fly from Argentina to England to help with his recovery, and there is 'great progress in the body' with the 28-year-old now knee-free.
The estimated recovery time is between six and seven weeks, which would give him a good chance to enter the World Cup, with four weeks left of the injury and four weeks before the tournament.
De Zerbi made a private transfer request for the star to be at Tottenham next season
The Italian is a great lover.
