Great news for Spurs fans: Club has received a significant boost, as their influential star player has officially resumed full first-team training this week, marking a crucial step in his recovery from a recent injury setback.

James Maddison handed Tottenham Hotspur a major boost by making his first preseason appearance in their 2-2 draw against Hoffenheim at the club’s Hotspur Way training ground.

The friendly was the second meeting between the two sides, following Spurs’ impressive 3-0 victory in front of 54,345 supporters at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday. Goals from Ben Davies and highly-rated youngster Luca Williams-Barnett ensured Roberto De Zerbi’s side ended their preseason campaign without defeat.

Maddison played the opening 45 minutes, marking his first competitive action of preseason. His return will be encouraging for De Zerbi following a difficult 18 months that saw the England international suffer two serious knee injuries. However, concerns remain over the fitness of Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener against Brentford.

De Zerbi named an entirely different starting XI from the side that featured on Saturday, with Maddison operating as a false nine due to Tottenham’s current shortage of attacking options. Spurs continue to pursue moves for Savinho and Cody Gakpo.

Summer arrival Mateus Fernandes completed the full 90 minutes alongside Kevin Danso and Rodrigo Bentancur, while academy prospects Tye Hall and Ademola Ajayi were handed further opportunities to impress.

Hoffenheim took the lead after 16 minutes when Adam Hlozek converted from the penalty spot, sending Brandon Austin the wrong way after Maddison was penalised for a foul.

However, Maddison quickly made an impact at the other end. Just four minutes later, he combined with Fernandes as Tottenham responded through Ben Davies, who headed home from a corner to level the contest.

Spurs then turned the game around in first-half stoppage time when 17-year-old Williams-Barnett produced a composed finish to put De Zerbi’s side ahead and further strengthen his growing reputation.

Hoffenheim refused to surrender, though, and restored parity in the 55th minute through Valentin Gendrey, ensuring the final preseason fixture ended in a draw.