MISSING
England star James Maddison absent from training for second day in a row due to knee knock as Gareth Southgate’s side prepare for World Cup opener against Iran by ‘slapping on sun cream’
James Maddison missed training for the second day in a row as England continued preparations for their World Cup opener.
The Leicester City star was the only player in the 26-man squad to be absent in Friday's session.
3
3
Maddison failed to take part in training on Thursday with Gareth Southgate managing his workload.
The 25-year-old is nursing a minor knee niggle, which forced him to limp out of the Foxes' recent 2-0 away win at West Ham before the Premier League break.
And England are desperate for the midfielder to avoid aggravating his injury as the ex-Norwich ace sticks to gym work while still receiving treatment.
He had declared himself as fit and raring to go in Wednesday’s press conference.
But it remains to be seen whether he will be involved in Monday's World Cup opener against Iran.
Maddison was spotted with his Three Lions teammates out on the pitch at the Al Wakrah SC Stadium on Friday morning.
Most read in football
But, just like on Thursday, he swiftly headed back inside as the training session started in the scorching 33C heat.
Alan Brazil asked talkSPORT's England correspondent Faye Carruthers why Maddison joins in on the huddle before heading off.
Speaking from Qatar, Faye said: "He always joins the huddle, because Gareth Southgate and Steve Holland get out their intentions for the training session.
"He's part of the squad, there's 26 players, but then he will just go in and manage his load afterwards."
Pressed by Ray Parlour whether anyone else will be absent from training, Faye remarked: "No.
3
"I've been told it's just James Maddison managing his load again, which is again what they've been doing for the last couple of training sessions that they've had with the players out here."
Commenting on the hot conditions, Faye revealed the England team are making sure they avoid sunburn heading into the Iran opener.
She stated: "The players are coming out in dribs and drabs slapping on their sun cream as they walk out."
Before adding: "The heat out here is playing a huge part in the player's training sessions."
Faye then revealed how Mason Mount is having to apply Factor 50 sun cream having burnt his nose with the blistering temperatures proving to be problematic.
Play Dream Team World Cup NOW!
talkSPORT have selected our Dream Team World Cup XI with the tournament fast approaching.
And we want you to take us on in our very own Celebrity League.
All you have to do is pick your own team via Dream Team’s website or app and join talkSPORT’s league using the PIN: WCTLKSPT – it will also be easily visible under the Leagues tab.
Think you can do better?
Topics