Leicester City star James Maddison was replaced just 24 minutes into Saturday’s Premier League match against West Ham, potentially jeopardizing his World Cup spot just three days before England is scheduled to depart for Qatar.
Maddison scored the opening goal for the Foxes in east London, carrying on an excellent run of play that recently earned him his first call-up to the international team since 2019 when Gareth Southgate announced his final 26-player World Cup squad.
But he was forced to leave the game against West Ham midway through the first half due to what appeared to be a hamstring injury, and Dennis Praet replaced him.
There was a lot of pressure for Maddison to be selected for the England team. Although there were rumors that he would not make the final cut prior to the announcement, Southgate, who gave the player his senior international debut three years ago, confirmed his inclusion on the list alongside players like Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane.
Given how little time there is before the tournament begins, even a relatively minor injury could cruelly jeopardize his World Cup. Leicester and England fans will now anxiously await further news on his condition.