LONDON (AP) — James Maddison, who was a surprise inclusion in England’s squad for the World Cup, limped off with a hamstring injury in his right leg while playing for Leicester in the Premier League on Saturday.
The playmaker fell to the ground off the ball in the 22nd minute against West Ham and was holding the back of his right leg when medical staff came onto the field.
The score was 1-0 at the time, with Maddison having netted the goal.
Maddison was consoled by West Ham’s Declan Rice, who is also in the England squad, as he went off though later played down any fears as he left the London Stadium.
“It should be fine,” Maddison said. “Yeah, I think so.”
After his team had completed a 2-0 win, Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed Maddison came off as a precaution.
“I’ve just spoken to the doctor, he said he’s fine,” Rodgers said. “He just felt a little knock on the knee. We didn’t want to risk it for him or the team.”
Maddison has made only one appearance for England, coming on as a substitute in a European Championship qualifier against Montenegro in 2019. He has been rewarded for his good form for Leicester this season, scoring six goals and providing four assists before his call-up.
Maddison had been seen as having an outside chance of making the squad after being repeatedly overlooked by Southgate.
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