Tottenham suffer Mathys Tel injury blow as James Maddison remains unused substitute

Tottenham have suffered another injury setback after Mathys Tel sustained a potentially serious problem to his left Achilles during their defeat by Leeds United at Elland Road.

The France forward was caught by Jayden Bogle during a challenge, but the Leeds United defender was not penalised after the incident was reviewed by VAR.

Tel initially attempted to continue, but eventually signalled that he could not play on. Dominic Solanke replaced him.

The full extent of the injury is not yet known, although Tel was later seen leaving the stadium on crutches while wearing a protective boot.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi described the injury as a “bad injury”, prompting concern that Tel could be facing a lengthy period out of action.

“Bad injury,” De Zerbi told reporters.

“Now we have to make the medical check. In the next days we will know what is the problem.”

The forward’s injury adds to uncertainty around Tottenham’s squad, with James Maddison again left on the bench despite being named among the substitutes.

Maddison has not played since suffering an issue during Tottenham’s victory over Chelsea last month. He has now been overlooked in two successive matches, including against Leeds United, even as Spurs chased an equaliser.

De Zerbi chose to send on teenager Luca Williams-Barnett rather than Maddison, offering a further indication that the England international is not yet considered ready to return to competitive action.

The manager said Maddison had been considered for the final substitution, but the condition of Mohammed Kudus influenced his decision.

“James, I thought [about bringing him on] in the last substitution before Luca Williams-Barnett, but I saw [Mohammed] Kudus was very tired,” De Zerbi explained.

“And James didn’t [train] until Thursday. On Thursday he worked half [and] part of the training yesterday. And in the last 15 minutes maybe could be a good solution, but I decided to make that change because Luca in the winger position, is better than Maddison.”

Maddison’s absence has therefore continued beyond his original injury, while Tottenham must now await further medical assessment on Tel before determining how long the French forward could be unavailable.

The club have not yet confirmed the nature or severity of Tel’s injury, with further information expected after the medical checks in the coming days.