James Maddison was just two weeks away from the new season when an ACL injury stopped him in his tracks but hes been hard at work in his efforts to return to the field.
Maddison missed the end of last term with another knee injury, which ruled him out of the Europa League final, after hed played a key role in getting Spurs to the showpiece fixture.
Maddison's long road back
The midfielder has been doing rehab work ever since, before popping into central London for the launch of PUMAs new flagship store.
ACL injuries are usually considered to take around nine months to recover from, which would take Maddison to May, but speaking exclusively to FourFourTwo, he says hes not putting a date on his return at this stage.
I dont know yet, he said. Ive just been working hard every day head down, grit my teeth and get through it. I cant wait to get back fit Im so hungry, Im working so hard.
The medical team at Tottenham have been amazing, the manager, all the coaches, everyone has been very supportive, and like myself they all cant wait to see me back on the pitch.
The injury moved Maddisons dream of playing at a World Cup further away. He was named in Englands squad for the 2022 tournament but didnt get on to the field, hampered by an injury.
In recent times hed found himself out of the Three Lions squad, but had been hoping to perform well at club level and force his way back into contention.
Asked if he still retained any hope at all of being back in action and making next summers tournament, he insisted that was looking too far ahead. Im just focusing on the rehab, he said.
Its day by day at the minute, I have to get my knee right, feeling good and feeling strong, and the rest will take care of itself, like it always has done.
I just cant wait to be back doing my thing for Tottenham, proving myself and getting back to that level.
London meet-up
PUMAs new store on Oxford Street is the brands largest ever European flagship store, and Maddison joined Morgan Rogers, Destiny Udogie and Alex Scott at the launch.
The store is amazing, I cant wait to come in here and pick up a few freebies, I hope! he joked. Ive been with PUMA for about seven years now maybe. I remember when I first signed for them, they said it was about going on a journey and building together.
I feel like weve done that, Im so close to the brand. Its always been there for me, supporting me through the good times and the tough times.
After the tough times of his injuries, Maddison hopes there are good times ahead.
There will be more from James Maddison in an upcoming issue of FourFourTwo magazine.
