Maddison makes Spurs return after ACL rupture

James Maddison made his return for Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night, coming on in the 86th minute against Leeds United, nine months after rupturing his ACL in a preseason friendly against Newcastle in South Korea in August 2025. The 29-year-old could not inspire a victory, as Spurs were held to a 1-1 draw, with Mathys Tel's opener cancelled out by a Dominic Calvert-Lewin penalty. Manager Roberto de Zerbi welcomed the comeback, describing Maddison as a crucial player as Tottenham fight to avoid relegation in an injury-hit season.