Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be set for a late call-up to the England World Cup squad, with star James Maddison nursing an injury. The Leicester City star was forced off in the first half of the Foxes' final Premier League meeting before the tournament.
He had scored just eight minutes prior to give Brendan Rodgers' side a 1-0 lead over West Ham as he continued a great vein of form. Maddison looked set to play a key role for Gareth Southgate in Qatar, but with a hamstring injury continuing to cause the 25-year-old discomfort, Loftus-Cheek will be anxiously waiting to swoop in and offer his services if called upon.
Maddison is set to miss the Three Lions' clash with Iran on Monday, having been absent from training in Qatar for the past two days. It's said that Southgate has until Sunday to decide whether he would like to replace the Leicester talisman in the 26-man squad.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly's decisive Graham Potter call forces Chelsea fans to face unwelcome reality
If the injured Maddison is to be replaced, Loftus-Cheek could then be on the England boss' radar, having impressed this season for Chelsea at both centre-midfield and right wing-back. The 26-year-old has featured 20 times for the Blues this term, directly contributing towards one goal.
He's become a key component to the west London side's success in recent years, having been able to remain fit. Loftus-Cheek has done well to evade injury in recent times despite an infamously injury-ridden past.
Whether Southgate is looking for an impact off the bench or a player similar to Maddison's technical calibre, the Cobham graduate injects brings intensity, exceptional ball-carrying ability and a notorious physical presence. According to 90min, Loftus-Cheek and James Ward-Prowse are the names at the top of the Three Lions boss' list.
The latter has played a greater role for England in recent years, though Loftus-Cheek played under Southgate at the 2018 World Cup and impressed when called upon. Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Maddison addressed his injury fears.
"We had a scan the day before we met up," he said. "It was a positive scan. I had a little problem in the week building up to the West Ham game and post-Everton game, which was the week before for us.
"I wanted to play, I didn't want to not give it a go because of the World Cup. That's not the person I am."
Maddison's scan on Sunday showed his knee was not a major issue heading into the tournament. A late call-up for Loftus-Cheek looks unlikely, but the Chelsea star mustn't give up hope just yet...
READ NEXT:
James return, Fofana question - Chelsea's best XI if Potter refines new shape in World Cup break
Eden Hazard dream and Antonio Rudiger regret: Former Chelsea players involved in World Cup
Christopher Nkunku injury return date revealed as Chelsea face transfer dilemma after World Cup
Full list of Chelsea transfer targets going to Qatar 2022 World Cup amid Boehly scouting mission
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
