James Maddison in hot water? Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou speaks out on midfielder attending PDC World Darts Championship despite being ill as he reveals injury-plagued Spurs have been hit by sickness bug

Maddison was too unwell to start for Spurs against Wolves as they drew 2-2 on Sunday. The attacking midfielder came on as a substitute, and was later seen at the PDC World Darts Championship. Postecoglou has now defended the Englishman's trip to Alexandra Palace, although it remains to be seen if he will be fit enough to play against Newcastle on Saturday.

Spurs have been struggling immensely with an injury crisis. They have nine players currently on the treatment table, including goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, defenders Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies and Destiny Udogie, and forwards Wilson Odobert and Richarlison. They have also had to deal with illness sweeping through the squad before the clash with the Magpies, and reports suggest Brandon Austin will make his debut in goal after Fraser Forster was also struck down by the sickness bug. To that end, Fabrizio Romano has reported Spurs are close to signing Slavia Prague goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

Addressing Maddison's outing, Postecoglou told reporters: "I've got no problem with the players having lives. It's a lot different trying to play a game of football and living a life. I don't see any problem with that and I don't think it hurt him.

"He wasn't 100% and it was a game where we needed someone to be 100%. He was still well enough to play. If he was bed-ridden, didn't turn up to the game and then still went to the darts, there may be an issue there. But I had no issue with that."

Spurs face Newcastle this weekend as they attempt to right a dismal run. Spurs have won just one of their last five league games and sit 11th in the table. They are nine points clear of the relegation zone, and also nine points behind the top four.