(Credit: Imago)

Cameron Smith

Mon 20 April 2026 7:30, UK

James Maddison was involved in a Tottenham Hotspur matchday squad for the first time this season on Saturday, as Spurs played out a 2-2 draw with Brighton.

The 29-year-old faced a long road back after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during pre-season, leaving the attacking midfielder with no part to play as Spurs have struggled.

This came after Maddison missed the Europa League final at the end of last term, with many Lilywhites fans looking forward to seeing him back in action in the new era – one that has started dismally.

Both Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor have lost their jobs this season, resulting in the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi, while Spurs fight against relegation.

Returning to the squad in the recent draw with Brighton, midfielder Maddison was more than pleased to be back on home soil.

James Maddison shares what he loved about Tottenham vs Brighton

It has been a simply dismal year for Tottenham, who somehow find themselves in the relegation zone.

All the while, the list of players on the sidelines has grown, with Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski joined by the likes of Wilson Odobert and Mohammed Kudus this term.

Over the course of the 2024-25 term, the 29-year-old would rack up a total of 22 goals and assists, playing a central role in the limited success of last term, given the poor league form resulting in a 17th-place finish.

Making his first appearance in the squad this season on Saturday, Maddison was more than impressed with the atmosphere inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Taking to his Instagram story, he said: “Honestly, your support yesterday in the stadium for the team was absolutely mental. Although we are still well and truly in this tough moment, the boys will keep fighting. We appreciate our fanbase immensely.”

The Lilywhites would take the lead twice in the bout, with Xavi Simons shining as he rattled in what he thought was the winner.

Instead, a late dagger from Georginio Rutter would level the scores for Brighton in added time, keeping Spurs in the bottom three for at least another week.

James Maddison returns at the right time for Tottenham

While it cannot be used as an excuse for the current predicament, the ongoing injury crisis in North London has plagued Tottenham for the best part of 18 months.

De Zerbi arrived at the club over the international break, inheriting an incredibly thin squad that he has to galvanise ahead of the run-in.

Maddison returns as someone crucial to the dressing room, with the midfielder being an incredible character alongside his impact on the pitch.

Should he get back to fitness in the coming weeks, he could well be like a new signing for De Zerbi as his side looks to avoid the drop.

With Simons shining in a more free role against Brighton, the Englishman could come in as a more natural number 10, taking some of the creative burden away from Spurs’ star signing of last summer.

With the additional expertise in the final third and his positive impact on those around him, Tottenham may just have a route out of this mess.