Positive fitness news for Leicester on Maddison and Barnes

Ahead of the start of their FA Cup defence,  Leicester City have been boosted by positive fitness news with regards to James Maddison and Harvey Barnes.

Maddison’s return to top form has collided with the absence of Barnes, and the emergence of a two-striker system. Kelechi Iheanacho, Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka have shared the roles; Daka and Vardy being more prominent until their injuries.

Iheanacho has now joined the Nigeria international squad for the African Cup of Nations this month. That competition lasts into February, so options are now limited in the Foxes’ forward area.

Therefore the England capped winger’s re-emergence is well-timed; Ayoze Perez may find himself flanked by Barnes and Ademola Lookman whilst Maddison is hopefully is behind, as his status is confirmed:

"“…James Maddison should be fine.”“Harvey’s just come back, obviously, having a period out. He’s trained his first training session today with the squad which is good news.”Brendan Rodgers, lcfc.com"

Vardy is expected to be sidelined for up to a month; meanwhile Daka could be back training in under two weeks. A recall for on-loan George Hirst at Portsmouth seems unlikely because Leicester are said to be happy with his Pompey progress.

Leicester City trio at the darts

‘Barnesy’ and ‘Madders’ were also in the so-called news this weekend for attending a sporting event, which seems a bit unfair. Clearly the pair, along with Leicester City Football Club Academy graduates Hamza Choudhury and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, were obviously allowed to be present at the World Darts Championships as they were photographed enjoying themselves and holding a comical sign.

Daily Mail showed pictures of the four having a night out among 3,000 other fans in London. The publication suggests that LCFC officials will be ‘concerned’ that Maddison, Barnes, Choudhury and Dewsbury-Hall had been present, yet there is no evidence or source presented to support that claim.

In fact, the athletes are likely testing for covid daily, with the east Midlands outfit almost certainly aware of planned trips. Even though it is the players’ spare time to spend how they wish, within set out rules.