>
James Maddison is trying to quell fears over his World Cup entry as he claims the injury that forced him into Leicester’s win over West Ham was ‘just a minor issue’ and ‘can’t wait’ to meet his England team-mates
- James Maddison was out on Saturday with an injury in the game against West Ham
- The Leicester playmaker was hooked in the first half after falling injured
- Maddison held his knee while being treated before being removed
- The 25-year-old was chosen by Gareth Southgate for England’s World Cup squad
- He has offered some reassurance to England fans following his early withdrawal
James Maddison has allayed his concerns about his World Cup entry after he stumbled into Leicester’s win over West Ham on Saturday.
The Leicester playmaker fell off the ball while clutching his knee, sitting on the grass and looking shocked as he was treated on the pitch at London Stadium.
Despite his early withdrawal from the game, Maddison said it was only a “minor problem”, while Brendan Rodgers said he had taken his player out as a precaution.
Leicester star James Maddison (center) out against West Ham
West Ham skipper and England teammate Declan Rice (right) comforted Maddison on the grass
In a tweet after the game, Maddison offered some reassurance to Southgate and England managers: ‘Another win and another goal. Perfect way to finish before the break. Injury is not bad! A small problem that caused a bit of pain. I can’t wait to meet the boys on Monday.’
Maddison gave Leicester the lead with an eighth-minute strike, but was withdrawn midway through the first half after physios decided he was unable to continue.
The 24-year-old went down while Leicester had no possession of the ball and immediately sat down on the grass as England supporters and team-mates in the ground watched.
West Ham captain and England teammate Declan Rice was one of the first on the scene when he comforted a disheveled looking Maddison.
There were fears Maddison’s World Cup place was in doubt after his injury on Saturday
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers reassured Maddison (right) as he left the field at West Ham
Positive signals showed Maddison standing up and walking off the pitch unaided before being swiftly led through the West Ham tunnel and back to the visitors’ dressing room to receive treatment.
Maddison is the first English casualty of the Premier League’s final round of matches before the World Cup, as national teams around the world wait anxiously to see their stars compete in the national team camps.
Gareth Southgate will be allowed to make changes to his 26-man England squad until 6pm Monday night, but he hopes the Leicester star’s injury is superficial and does not require a layoff.
England manager Southgate will be relieved to hear the news about Maddison
Maddison’s World Cup shot was one of the most talked about picks, as Southgate chose to give the midfielder his first national call-up since 2019.
His only appearance in England was in a 7-0 win over Montenegro during the Three Lions qualifying campaign for Euro 2020. Since then, Maddison has been an outcast under Southgate.
The Leicester star’s involvement in the World Cup squad comes after a stellar start to the season with the Foxes. Maddison has scored seven Premier League goals so far this season and provided three assists.
Maddison later returned to the Leicester bench after treatment for his injury
Maddison later returned to take the Foxes bench in the second half against West Ham, smiling and watching with his teammates in the dugout.
His injuries will be a major concern for Southgate and his England staff after already losing Reece James and Ben Chilwell last month, while Kyle Walker has been included in his roster despite not being fully fit yet.