A cloud of concern hangs over Tottenham Hotspur as James Maddison was stretchered off the field during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul, South Korea on Sunday. The incident occurred in the 1-1 draw, casting a shadow over what was already an emotional day, as the club bid farewell to Heung-min Son after a decade of service.

Maddison, who came on as a substitute in the 75th minute, appeared to suffer the injury just nine minutes after entering the game. He pulled up off the ball after attempting a challenge, immediately signaling distress. The 28-year-old midfielder went to ground, appearing to be in significant pain, and was eventually taken off on a stretcher. His teammates looked distraught as they watched him leave the pitch.

Spurs manager Thomas Frank described the injury as "brutal". The extent of the injury is currently unknown, but there are concerns that it could be a recurrence or related to the knee injury that kept Maddison sidelined at the end of last season. He had only just returned from that long-term knee problem, which he sustained in early May.

Maddison's injury is a major blow for Tottenham. With Dejan Kulusevski already set to miss the start of the season, and the club failing to acquire Morgan Gibbs-White, Frank is already short on creative players. If Maddison's injury is serious, it will further deplete Tottenham's attacking options.

The timing of the injury is particularly worrying, as Tottenham are due to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Super Cup next Wednesday, before kicking off their Premier League season at home against Burnley on August 16th. Maddison's absence would be a significant setback for the team as they prepare for a busy start to the campaign.

Sky Sports' Sam Blitz suggested that the injury might force Tottenham to accelerate their search for a new attacking midfielder in the transfer window. The club had previously been linked with Morgan Gibbs-White.

The injury to Maddison overshadowed Son Heung-min's emotional farewell. Son, who is reportedly close to a transfer to LAFC, was given a guard of honor by both sets of players as he left the pitch for the final time as a Tottenham player. "I think sometimes in life and football things can be both beautiful and brutal," Frank said, reflecting on the contrasting emotions of the day.

Tottenham fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on Maddison's condition. The club is yet to release an official statement.