Newcastle received a timely boost ahead of their trip to Leicester this weekend, with the Chronicle reporting James Maddison is likely to miss the game, due to an injury picked up in their win against Spurs.
Steve Bruce is pondering changes to his own midfield for the Super Sunday game, and now it seems Brendan Rodgers will be forced to do likewise.
Maddison has starred for the Foxes so far this season, which has seen him become a key member of the England national squad, and his absence will be a big blow for Rodgers.
With, arguably, their star player out, Bruce should see it as a chance to dominate in midfield, and if Sean Longstaff recovers in time for the game, it is a great chance for Newcastle to get the upper hand.
Maddison’s injury may influence Bruce’s team selection
Bruce is reportedly considering switching Fabian Schar into midfield for the game, but with the news of Maddison not playing, he may shelve that idea, and look to exploit their enforced weakness.
It is still unlikely that Jonjo Shelvey will start, as his form continues to nosedive, and having Longstaff back will solve a problem for Bruce.
Of course, Leicester have multiple threats, and will still be expected to win the game, despite Maddison’s absence, but it is definitely an area Newcastle can now target.
Who Rodgers selects to replace the England star remains to be seen, but it is likely to be either Denis Praet, or Hamza Choudhury – whose shocking challenge in the EFL Cup meeting at St James’ Park earlier this season, put Matt Ritchie out of action for weeks.
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