Posted: 15:36, November 12, 2022 | Updated: 16:25, 12 November 2022
James Maddison gave England their first worry just days before they head to the Middle East after limping off injured for Leicester City against West Ham in Saturday’s Premier League clash. The Leicester playmaker came off the ball clutching his knee, sitting on the turf and cutting a shocked figure as he received treatment at the London ground. Maddison put Leicester ahead with an eighth minute strike but was withdrawn midway through the first half after the referees decided he could not continue. Leicester star James Maddison (centre) was shut out against West Ham West Ham skipper and England team-mate Declan Rice (right) comfort Maddison on the pitch The 24-year-old came off while Leicester were out of possession and immediately sat on the turf as England fans and England team-mates looked on in dismay. West Ham captain and England team-mate Declan Rice was one of the first on the scene as he comforted a disheveled Maddison. Any long-term injury at this stage would kill Maddison’s World Cup hopes. Maddison is now a doubt for England’s World Cup squad after being sacked by West Ham Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers comforts Maddison (right) as he leaves the pitch at West Ham Positive signs showed Maddison standing and walking off the pitch unaided before being quickly ushered into the West Ham tunnel and back to the visitors’ dressing room to receive treatment. Maddison is England’s first casualty in the final round of Premier League fixtures ahead of the World Cup as national teams around the world anxiously await to see their stars take part in national team camps. Gareth Southgate is allowed to make changes to his 26-man England squad until 6pm on Monday afternoon but will be hoping the Leicester star’s injury is superficial and does not require any dismissal. England manager Gareth Southgate sweats over Leicester midfielder’s fitness Maddison’s involvement at the World Cup was one of the most talked-about options as Southgate opted to hand the midfielder his first national call-up since 2019. His only senior England appearance came in the Three Lions’ 7–0 win over Montenegro during their Euro 2020 qualifier. Since then Maddison has been an outcast under Southgate. The Leicester star’s involvement in the World Cup squad comes after a spectacular start to the season with the Foxes. Maddison has scored seven Premier League goals and registered three assists so far this season. Maddison later returned to the Leicester bench after receiving treatment for his injury Maddison later returned to take his place on the Foxes bench in the second half against West Ham, smiling and watching his teammates in the dugout. His injury woes will be a huge concern for Southgate and his England staff, having already lost Rhys James and Ben Chilwell last month, while Kyle Walker has been included in his squad despite not yet returning to full fitness physical condition.
