Tottenham Hotspur faces growing unease regarding James Maddison’s fitness as insiders express “serious concern” about his pre-season involvement. Maddison, who returned from an ACL injury late last season, has yet to feature in Spurs’ current matches during their tour in New Zealand and Australia, raising questions about his readiness for the upcoming campaign.
The club has started their pre-season tour positively, securing wins against MK Dons and Auckland FC. However, the absence of Maddison on the pitch has been noted by Tottenham insider John Wenham, who shared his alarm during discussions on the situation. The concerns came after Maddison did not play in either of the first two friendlies, despite expectations following a summer of recovery.
Maddison’s Fitness Concerns
John Wenham highlighted the disappointment regarding Maddison’s absence from the opening friendlies, stating, “It is frustrating that James Maddison has gone on the tour, and not only in the first tour game against Auckland, but also the friendly against MK Dons, that he didn’t feature at all.” He added that Maddison’s lack of on-field time raises worries about whether he is fully fit despite training over the summer. “If he doesn’t, then that is a serious concern,” Wenham remarked.
Fernandes Injury Rumours Addressed
While Maddison’s situation garners attention, further doubts cloud the fitness of new arrival Mateus Fernandes. Speculation surrounding Fernandes intensified after fans noticed he missed a training session, leading to unfounded assertions about a potential ACL injury. Yet, journalist Alasdair Gold offered reassurance, confirming that Fernandes is not injured. His absence from some activities is a precaution taken due to the demanding nature of the training regimen implemented by head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
De Zerbi’s Training Regime
The strenuous training programme under De Zerbi is tailored to prepare players for the coming season, reflecting the all-action style he is known for. Gold elaborated that the coaching staff is managing player workloads carefully, factoring in elements such as fatigue and minor issues as the squad acclimatises during pre-season. This approach aims to ensure that players maintain optimum fitness levels while avoiding overexertion.
The SportiveNews view
This situation hinges on Maddison’s ability to regain his fitness quickly, critical for Tottenham’s plans moving forward. The return of a fully fit Maddison would be pivotal, adding depth to their midfield as they prepare for a competitive Premier League season ahead.
Frequently asked questions
What is James Maddison’s current fitness state?
James Maddison has not played in Tottenham’s initial pre-season matches, raising concerns among insiders about his readiness for the upcoming season.
Is Mateus Fernandes injured?
No, Mateus Fernandes is not injured. His absence from some training sessions is a result of monitored training loads to manage fatigue and prepare players for the demanding pre-season.
For further updates, fans can check the latest Premier League transfer news and find more detailed coverage in our Premier League coverage.
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