Second set of twins a good distraction from injury - Maddison
Retold by Oddsrama · 22 August 2026
James Maddison's road back from a devastating ACL injury has been anything but straightforward. The Tottenham midfielder spent the better part of last season sidelined after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in August, missing nearly 375 days of action. But while the injury kept him off the pitch, life at home gave him something else to focus on—his partner gave birth to their second set of twins during his recovery, bringing their total to five children under four. Maddison has described the past year as the toughest of his life, yet he credits his growing family with being the emotional anchor that got him through.
The midfielder opened up about the psychological toll of watching Spurs struggle without him. The club barely escaped relegation, finishing just two points clear of the drop zone, and Maddison spent countless games wondering what he could've contributed had he been fit. His absence stretched so long that his oldest son, Leo, actually began to think his dad had left the club entirely. Being sidelined during a campaign where creativity was in short supply at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium added another layer of frustration, but Maddison leaned heavily on his family responsibilities to block out the noise.
When Roberto De Zerbi arrived in March, he helped reset the mood around the club. Rather than overcomplicating things tactically, the Italian coach prioritised getting the squad to rediscover their love for football. One of his smartest moves was bringing Maddison back into the fold gently—initially putting him on the bench just to be around the group. That simple gesture showed faith and helped stabilise the dressing room, contributing to Spurs' late-season survival push. Maddison has remained patient with his return, skipping much of pre-season to ensure he's fully recovered.
For betting purposes, Maddison's fitness status is crucial heading into the new season. If he can string together a fully healthy campaign, he's capable of being a difference-maker in the final third—something Spurs desperately need if they're to challenge higher up the table. His confidence is evident, and a creative Maddison at full tilt could significantly impact Tottenham's odds for European qualification.
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