It was about this time last year when we last saw James Maddison in competitive action: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Bodø/Glimt. Those were the days.
That night, our No. 10 sustained a knee injury, sidelining him for the glory that ensued, even if it paled in significance to the ACL tear that's compromised his 2025/26 season. Maddison hasn't yet featured for the Lilywhites during a torrid campaign, with his absence undeniably a major factor in our potential relegation.
His chief mitigation, Xavi Simons, has only been able to offer spurts of magic as opposed to sustained brilliance in year one. Still, the Dutchman seemed intent on playing a leading role in Spurs' fight against relegation down the stretch.
The unrelenting injury bug ended that desire. Another Lilywhite ACL tear means we probably won't see Xavi again in 2026.
So now, the situation is desperate. Roberto De Zerbi has had a positive impact, but there's only so much he can do. The Italian sought to stamp out any negativity with an empowering monologue in Friday's press conference ahead of Sunday's trip to Villa Park, and also provided an update on Maddison's recovery and the potential role he could play in May.
De Zerbi unsure whether Maddison will play vs. Aston Villa, Leeds
Maddison has been included in the previous two matchday squads without taking to the field. De Zerbi suggested the Englishman was merely there for the vibes, but there's an expectation that the former Leicester man will be able to play some part during the final few weeks of the season.
De Zerbi said Maddison has an "important" role to play for his side, but doesn't yet know when he could make his first appearance of 2025/26.
“I would like to play with him, because he is a special player, a different player. But we have to consider the physical condition, a lot of things. But I think he can be important in the next three games," he said (via The Athletic).
A few murmurs have done the rounds on social media regarding a potential comeback against Leeds United, with a return to action unlikely this weekend.
In the absence of creativity, Spurs will have to lean on spirit and intensity to get them out of their perilous position. We triumphed in Bilbao without a recognised playmaker, and De Zerbi's side have four cup finals heading their way.
The Italian is saying all the right things, and victory in the West Midlands, especially if West Ham United flounder at Brentford, will finally encourage a fatalistic fanbase that's started to render relegation an inevitability, given the extent of our misfortune.
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