Mikel Arteta handed boost with Leicester star James Maddison a doubt for Arsenal clash
James Maddison has scored nine goals for Leicester this season (Photo: Getty)
The Gunners travel to the King Power with the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to five points before Manchester City play Bournemouth in the evening kick-off.
Though Arsenal beat Leicester 4-2 in the reverse fixture back in August, this encounter should be a lot closer given the Foxes recent good form that has seen them win three of their last four matches.
Mikel Arteta’s men have won just one of their last five but showed great spirit in their most recent game when they came from behind to beat Aston Villa.
However, Leicester have been dealt a significant blow ahead of the game, with Brendan Rodgers revealing that attacking midfielder Maddison is now an injury doubt.
Arsenal beat Leicester 4-2 back in August (Photo: Getty)
‘We’re starting to get a lot of players back,’ the Foxes manager said in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, as he also confirmed that Jonny Evans and Ryan Bertrand will miss out.
‘We have to see how James Maddison is though. He’s still nursing a knee issue, so we’ll have to assess that tomorrow after training.’
Maddison picked up a knee injury shortly before the season resumed in December which ruled him out for nearly a month.
He returned to take part in Leicester’s recent run of form, scoring in the impressive wins over Villa and Tottenham and playing the full 90minutes in the 3-0 loss at Manchester United last Sunday.
The 26-year-old has arguably been his club’s best player this season, having scored nine goals and made five assists in the league.
Arsenal have been linked with signing him the past before opting to go for Martin Odegaard, but with his contract up in just 18 months time he has been linked with a move away again, this time to Newcastle.
Source: dailylifeworld.com
