In a significant blow to Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League ambitions, Manager Ange Postecoglou announced a prolonged absence of key players James Madison and Dutch defender Micky van de Ven, sidelining them until the new year. The Dutch international defender suffered a hamstring injury in his right thigh, while the creative midfielder Madison sustained a left ankle injury, both during a dramatic 4-1 defeat against Chelsea.
Tottenham's James Maddison shakes hands with his coach Ange Postecoglou during the Burnley match - REUTERS
The match, which witnessed the expulsion of Argentine Christian Romero and Italian Destiny Udogie, marked Tottenham’s first league loss this season. These incidents have left Postecoglou grappling with a depleted squad ahead of their upcoming clash against Wolverhampton.
🚨⚪️ Ange Postecoglou on Tottenham injury list.
🇳🇱 “Van de Ven will be out for couple of months, looking to the New Year”.
🏴 “Maddison, it’s a lot worse than we thought. Probably into the New Year”.
🇧🇷 “Richarlison should be out for a month”. pic.twitter.com/QUx3dtsNkL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 10, 2023
Reflecting on the injuries, Postecoglou said, “Something shifted post-Monday. Micky’s thigh injury was a significant tear. We anticipate a two-month recovery period for his return in the new year.” He added, “Madison’s condition turned out far graver than we initially thought. His ankle injury, followed by an unfavorable scan report, also points to a new year return.”
🎙️ “Madders is a lot worse than we thought”
Ange Postecoglou provides an update on the injuries in his Tottenham squad after the latest news that James Maddison will be out until the new year ❌pic.twitter.com/i4hCW3GtVy
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 10, 2023
| Player Name | Injury Details | Expected Return | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micky van de Ven | Hamstring injury in right thigh | New Year | Out of upcoming matches, significant defensive gap |
| James Madison | Left ankle injury | New Year | Absence in creative midfield, withdrawn from England squad |
This setback comes as Tottenham, now second in the league, one point behind leaders and defending champions Manchester City, also confirmed Madison’s withdrawal from the England squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers this month.
