Tottenham fear for James Maddison as injury overshadows Son Heung-min farewell

James Maddison was injured in Tottenham’s friendly against Newcastle in Seoul (Bradley Collyer/PA)

James Maddison suffered a serious-looking knee injury as Tottenham’s pre-season tour of Asia concluded with a draw against Newcastle in Seoul on Sunday.

The England international was carried off on a stretcher and looked in obvious pain after after going down unchallenged late in the game.

The friendly, which ended 1-1, was otherwise notable for the emotional reception the departing Son Heung-min received from fans in his home city.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank thought Madison’s injury looked bad (Nigel French/PA)

Maddison, 28, missed the closing stages of last season, including the Europa League final, with a knee problem and his latest injury affects the same joint.

Manager Thomas Frank told reporters after the game: “I think sometimes in life and football things can be both beautiful and brutal – that’s what we got today.

“It looks like with Madders a bad injury, and then on the other side unbelievable scenes for Son from his team-mates and the respect from the Newcastle players.”

Seoul salutes a Spurs and Korean icon.

Nice one, Sonny 🤍 pic.twitter.com/syg3yhZI3e

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 3, 2025

Son, 33, confirmed this week that he is to leave Spurs this summer after a decade at the club.

The South Korea international, who wore the captain’s armband, was given a standing ovation and a guard of honour from players of both teams when he was substituted in the 64th minute.

Brennan Johnson’s deflected strike gave Spurs a fourth-minute lead but Harvey Barnes levelled before half-time.