Pundit Jamie Redknapp said Tottenham Hotspur must rely on the return of James Maddison to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The situation is critical as the club currently sits 17th in the league table [4]. A lack of midfield creativity has hampered the team's performance, highlighted by a recent 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest [5].

Maddison, 29, has been sidelined for more than 200 days [3]. The midfielder suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during pre-season [2]. While some reports indicate he has missed the entirety of the campaign, others suggest he is approximately two weeks away from returning to first-team action [3].

Roberto De Zerbi said the player's recovery is important for the final stretch of the season. "Maddison is an important player for us in this run-in," De Zerbi said.

For his part, Maddison said he is ready to rejoin the squad. "I'm ready to help the team and get back on the pitch," Maddison said.

The club's struggle to maintain offensive pressure without Maddison has left them fighting for survival in the top flight. Redknapp said the midfielder's ability to create chances is essential for the team to secure the points necessary to climb out of the relegation zone.

“"Maddison is an important player for us in this run-in."”

The potential return of James Maddison represents a pivotal shift for Tottenham. Having spent over 200 days sidelined with a major knee injury, his reintegration into the lineup is not merely a tactical preference but a necessity for survival. With the club positioned 17th, the margin for error is minimal, making Maddison's creative output the primary variable in whether the club avoids relegation.