Newcastle target James Maddison has been the focal point of England’s World Cup warmup sessions as he struggles with an injury.
The £110,000-a-week man limped off in Leicester’s final Premier League game ahead of the tournament, a 2-0 win over West Ham, and is still suffering despite Brendan Rodgers claiming it was simply precautionary to withdraw him.
We are now two days into England training in Qatar, and Maddison’s issue is yet to settle.
Newcastle target likely to miss England vs Iran
Well, Sky Sports were reporting live from Al-Wakra when they shared an update on Maddison, who Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports claimed is wanted by Newcastle.
Sky reporters claimed that some “big news” has happened after the Newcastle target was seen leaving yet another session early, as the Leicester No.10 walked out of training while his teammates began some ball work.
It means Maddison has now missed two sessions since landing in Qatar, and there are only four sessions in total until Monday’s opening game against Iran.
Sky Sports add that this is “hugely significant” for Maddison’s chances of making the starting lineup.
Given how hard he worked to impress Gareth Southgate and make the 26-man squad, this will surely be a very frustrating time for the Coventry-born playmaker.
Newcastle could benefit from Maddison absence
It sounds cruel to say, but selfishly for Eddie Howe, it would make his life easier if Maddison did miss the World Cup.
Leicester have already placed a £60m price tag on their talisman’s head – according to 90min – and if he goes on to impress in Qatar, that sum could easily increase to £70m or beyond.
Maddison is more than capable of becoming a major star of the World Cup with his immense talent, and it would be a genuine shame if he is unable to take part in the tournament.
Hopefully, he can shake off his injury as soon as possible, but if he fails to do so, there are definitely positives to that for Newcastle and Howe, as far as a transfer is concerned.
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