James Maddison Withdraws from England Squad with Ankle Injury

Tottenham Hotspur playmaker James Maddison has been forced to withdraw from the England squad for the upcoming November internationals due to an ankle injury.

The former Leicester City man suffered the injury during Monday’s match against Chelsea, when he slid on the turf with nobody around him.

Maddison’s condition was uncertain after the game, and further assessment was required to determine the severity of his injury.

However, he was still included in Gareth Southgate’s 25-man group for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against North Macedonia and Malta, as England aims to secure a first-placed finish in Group C.

In a recent announcement, Spurs revealed that Maddison will not be joining the national team camp and will instead stay at Hotspur Way for rehabilitation with the club’s medical staff.

This withdrawal raises doubts about his availability for the Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Tottenham Hotspur is already dealing with a decimated group of players, with Destiny Udogie and Cristian Romero suspended following their dismissals against Chelsea.

Udogie will serve a one-game ban, while Romero will face a three-match domestic ban.

Furthermore, Micky van de Ven might be absent until the New Year due to a hamstring concern, and Richarlison has recently undergone pelvic surgery.

The Lilywhites also have several long-term absentees, including Manor Solomon, Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon, and Alfie Whiteman, who are all in the recovery phase after undergoing surgeries.

Additionally, there is uncertainty surrounding the availability of Ben Davies, who has been nursing an ankle injury.

It remains to be seen whether Gareth Southgate will call up a replacement for Maddison. The midfielder was included in the squad despite recent injury concerns, along with Callum Wilson, who was recalled after a hamstring issue, and Bukayo Saka, who limped off during Arsenal’s win over Sevilla.

England has already secured their place at Euro 2024 with a victory against Italy and will clinch the top spot in Group C with a draw against Malta. Their qualification campaign will conclude with a match against North Macedonia in Skopje.