Newcastle United, Liverpool & Arsenal's key Premier League rivals fear major 12-week injury blow

Tottenham Hotspur fear they could be without talisman James Maddison for up to 12 weeks.

The 26-year-old was forced off in the first half of Spurs' defeat to Chelsea on Monday night because of an ankle problem.

It's been suggested that Maddison will be sidelined for a minimum of one month but the Daily Mail reports that timescale could move closer to two to three months depending on how his rehabilitation progresses. 

Maddison was named in Gareth Southgate's England squad for upcoming Euro 2024 matches against Malta and North Macedonia but it was announced he had withdrawn on Friday morning.

"We can confirm that James Maddison has been withdrawn from the England squad due to an ankle injury," a Spurs statement read. "The midfielder will not feature in the Three Lions' UEFA EURO 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia, and will remain at Hotspur Way for rehabilitation with the Club's medical staff."

Maddison, who was previously a top transfer target for Newcastle United, has become an instant hit since arriving from Leicester City in the summer.

The former Norwich City star has scored three times and provided five assists with Spurs currently sitting second in the Premier League table. The 4-1 defeat to London rivals Chelsea on Monday night was their first of the campaign.

Newcastle, who sit four points behind the top four and six behind Spurs, visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 10, where Maddison is almost certain to be ruled out.

Indeed, Ange Postecoglou's side have a growing injury crisis with Richarlison undergoing pelvic surgery and defender Micky van de Ven facing months out with a hamstring injury.