Optimistic health information for Leicester Metropolis on James Maddison and Harvey Barnes

James Maddison and Harvey Barnes from Leicester City (Photo by John Berry / Getty Images)

Prior to starting their FA Cup defense, Leicester City was strengthened by positive fitness news regarding James Maddison and Harvey Barnes.

Maddison’s return to top form collided with the absence of Barnes and the advent of a two-forward system. Kelechi Iheanacho, Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka have shared roles; Daka and Vardy are more prominent until they are injured.

Iheanacho is now part of the Nigerian national team for this month’s African Cup of Nations. This competition lasts through February so options in the foxes’ front are now limited.

Hence the English winger’s resurgence comes at the right time; Ayoze Perez could be flanked by Barnes and Ademola Lookman while hopefully Maddison stays behind as his status is confirmed:

“… James Maddison should be fine.”

“Harvey just got back, obviously he’s on time out. He did his first training session with the squad today, which is good news. “

Brendan Rodgers, lcfc.com

Vardy is expected to be on hiatus for up to a month; Meanwhile, Daka could be back to training in less than two weeks. A recall for the loaned George Hirst in Portsmouth seems unlikely as Leicester is said to be happy with its progress at Pompey.

Leicester City Trio playing darts

‘Barnesy’ and ‘Madders’ were also on the so-called news this weekend for attending a sporting event, which seems a bit unfair. Obviously, the two were allowed to attend the World Darts Championships along with Leicester City Football Club Academy graduates Hamza Choudhury and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall when they were amused and photographed with a funny sign.

The Daily Mail showed pictures of the four who spent a night in London with 3,000 other fans. The publication suggests that LCFC officials will be “concerned” that Maddison, Barnes, Choudhury and Dewsbury-Hall were present, but no evidence or sources are presented to support this claim.

In fact, the athletes are likely testing for Covid on a daily basis, with the East Midlands outfit almost certainly being aware of the planned trips. Even if it is the players’ free time that they can spend as they wish and within set rules.