Ange Postecoglou intimated that James Maddison might be ready for the FA Cup fourth-round clash against Manchester City on Friday. The midfielder is set to return after missing more than two months due to injury, having last played in early November.
Tottenham welcome Pep Guardiola’s team to north London, hoping to build on their recent run of form, which has seen them lose just one of their last seven games. With more than a week since the 2-2 draw away at Manchester United, this is a great opportunity to set the tone for the next months.
Tottenham have managed to stay in touch with their top four/five competitors despite Maddison’s absence, trailing just Aston Villa by three points. Postecoglou has a point to prove in the cup, having lost to Fulham in the first round earlier this season.
Maddison was rested for that game, only coming off the bench late to assist with the penalty shootout. He only played eight games after that before being replaced before the break against Chelsea on November 6, but he scored two goals and provided four assists as he smoothly integrated into Postecoglou’s squad.
The 27-year-old is once again in contention for a place in the squad as Spurs gradually introduce their marquee players to the pitch. “Team news, from the last game, everyone is fine,” Postecoglou said at Hotspur Way on Thursday. “[Dejan Kulusevski] Deki has recovered. The boys took four days off last week.
“Madders has been training with us and completed a full training week. Ben Davies and Dane Scarlett has just joined the group. Gio [Lo Celso], Manor [Solomon], and Alejo [Veliz] are the only ones who remain away from it.”
Spurs had already achieved an impressive result against City this season, tying 3-3 in a dramatic league match in December. Postecoglou will be looking to go one better this time, avoiding a replay and advancing to the fifth round of the cup.
Maddison’s return is an even larger bonus for Tottenham, with Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma both away at the Africa Cup of Nations. New signings Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin could make their debuts at their new club.
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