Why Tottenham were unable to start James Maddison in Europa League clash vs AS Roma

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Following his Man of the Match display against Manchester City, James Maddison was absent from Tottenham Hotspur’s starting lineup versus AS Roma and his absence has just been explained.

Spurs take on Roma in the Europa League as they look to bounce back from their defeat to Galatasaray in their previous outing in the competition.

Roma arrived at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a new manager in Claudio Ranieri after they changed coach for the third time this season.

Ahead of the game against the Italian club, the reason Maddison was not part of Ange Postecoglou’s lineup has been revealed.

James Maddison misses Roma clash due to injury

James Maddison suffered a knock against Manchester City and Tottenham opted not to risk him for the match, according to Paul O’Keefe. Spurs already have several key injuries and did not want to risk losing the England international for longer.

The midfielder made his first Premier League start since the middle of October against the Champions and came up with a brilliant brace at the Etihad. So his absence from the team against the Giallorossi came as quite a surprise to many supporters.

The North London club will be hoping the 28-year-old will make a swift recovery from the knock with a busy period on the horizon. Next up after the clash with Roma is Fulham at home in the league on Sunday.

Dejan Kulusevski returned to midfield for the game against Roma having featured on the right wing in Manchester to accommodate Maddison. Postecoglou will be hopeful the former Leicester City man will be in a position to start against the Cottagers on the weekend.

How could Tottenham lineup against Fulham with Maddison?

Maddison was only carrying a minor knock against Roma so is likely to be back against Fulham. Postecoglou is expected to revert back to the team that won at the Etihad.

Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies are set to remain as the centre-back partnership with Cristian Romero still struggling with a foot injury. Meanwhile, Yves Bissouma will have to come back in for the suspended Rodrigo Bentancur and Destiny Udogie will return at right-back to replace Archie Gray.

Tottenham’s expected lineup vs Fulham: Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr, Maddison; Kulusevski, Son, Solanke.