James Maddison out for the majority of next season with ACL tear as Tottenham suffer nightmare injury blow - with star to undergo surgery

James Maddison is expected to miss almost the entirety of the new Premier League season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The Spurs playmaker, who was forced off on a stretcher after suffering a nasty blow to the knee during Tottenham's pre-season clash with Newcastle last week, will now undergo surgery and begin his lengthy recovery.

It presents a nightmare for new Spurs boss Thomas Frank, who will be without the influential midfielder for large portions of the campaign.

Maddison, 28, suffered the injury during a seemingly innocuous challenge and Frank later confirmed it was sustained to the same knee that he had injured last season, a setback which saw him miss the Europa League final win against Manchester United.

He underwent several tests after arriving back in the United Kingdom, and initial fears he had damaged his cruciate ligament have been realised.

More to follow.