James Maddison says Tottenham Hotspur Premier League position 'embarrassing' and warns of 'catastrophic' impact on career

The playmaker spent nine months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury and the absence of the England international has been part of the reason for a woeful season in north London.

Spurs sit 18th in the Premier League table and are one of two sides who could join Burnley and Wolverhampton by dropping to the Championship next season.

West Ham are the other team in contention for the drop and had Spurs won away to Chelsea on Tuesday night they would have been certain of staying up, while Roberto De Zerbi’s side’s goal difference advantage meant a point would almost certainly have been enough, too.

However, a 2-1 defeat meant that their battle will go to the final day of the season.

West Ham face Leeds, who have nothing but points to play for, while Spurs entertain an Everton side still in contention for a European place.

Maddison was introduced as a substitute by De Zerbi in the second half at Stamford Bridge and he looked one of the team’s better players.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the defeat, the 29-year-old reflected that the game was fairly balanced over all.

He said: "We knew any sort of result would be very beneficial for us in the battle. It wasn't to be. We pushed hard in the last 20 minutes. It was probably a pretty even game. I don't remember them having many chances.”

However, he was disappointed not to have come on sooner, saying a 2-0 scoreline was tough to come back from, whereas a single-goal deficit would have given him more influence.

He added: "It's an awful time. You want to get on the pitch at 1-0 and affect it. It's a lot more difficult at 2-0. It was a bit of a dagger as I was coming on.

"I've been out for a long time, so I'm not going to be at my fluid best. I've had a massive injury and you have to respect the injury a bit. I'm going to do what I can on Sunday.”

Maddison lamented his absence for the season, and said that it was not an easy injury to recover from, and then get back to his best, explaining: "It's my job, it's what I'm paid to do. I haven't played this season, but when I do, it's what we have to do. Hopefully, when I'm on the pitch, I have to try and help the team.

"Anyone who has worked in football or has had this injury, it's not easy to drop back in. It would be catastrophic for my career if something were to happen.”

Looking ahead to the last game of the season, Maddison said he would be giving it his all and urged his team-mates to do the same to get out of an invidious position.

He concluded: "We have to give everything for the club, for the badge, for the fans. It's a bit embarrassing that we're in this position. We're going to need our fans, who were unbelievable tonight. I think we have the best away following in the league."

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