Tottenham Hotspur suffered a major blow as their attacking midfielder James Madison injured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, ruling him out for most of the season, the North London club announced on Thursday. The club confirmed that Madison will undergo surgery following the ACL tear sustained during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul. The 28-year-old midfielder will rest in the coming days before starting rehabilitation with the club’s medical team. This injury is a significant setback for Madison, who was aiming to secure a spot in coach Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the upcoming World Cup in North America. Madison, who joined Tottenham from Leicester City in 2023, scored 12 goals in 45 matches last season across all competitions. Tottenham also lost another forward, South Korean Son Heung-min, who transferred to Los Angeles FC.

The club is likely to enter the transfer market to fill the gaps left by Son’s departure and Madison’s injury, despite recently signing Ghanaian striker Mohammed Kudus from West Ham. Tottenham will face Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday in the UEFA Super Cup after winning the Europa League and Champions League respectively last May. They will start their Premier League campaign against newly promoted Burnley on the 16th of this month.