James Maddison dismissed the Newcastle United 'banter' during the World Cup and was confident Leicester City would emerge victorious on Boxing Day. In the end, the Magpies transfer target was a helpless bystander as Eddie Howe's side ran riot at the King Power Stadium.
Brendan Rodgers gave the influential playmaker 'every chance' to overcome a knee injury and feature against his summer suitors. However, the Leicester City boss later admitted in his post-match press conference that the 26-year-old currently has no return date due to a fresh injury concern.
Maddison cut a frustated figure in the stands as Newcastle raced into a three-goal lead before the break. It was an advantage the visitors never looked like relinquishing, and it resulted in an eighth straight win to lift the Magpies into second spot.
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Maddison has spoken of his own desire to 'kick on', having earned an England call-up for the World Cup squad but not featuring during the Three Lions' run to the quarter-final. With less than two years' to run on his contract and Newcastle likely still interested, that next step could well come in black-and-white.
Howe's side were not short of creativity or end product in their latest outing, putting Leicester to the sword before managing the game to its conclusion. Only leaders Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham have scored more league goals than the Magpies at this stage.
Yet as the post-match discussion centered on Newcastle's perceived title credentials, Rodgers stressed the need for Howe to be backed once again in the January window. Leicester have twice narrowly missed out on a top-four finish in recent seasons, and the Foxes boss believes injuries in the run-in proved costly on both occasions.
Newcastle have already proven themselves resilient to setbacks so far this campaign. Chris Wood stepped in for Callum Wilson at the King Power and opened the scoring, with record signing Alexander Isak still on the sidelines.
The Magpies have found ways to win in the absence of the likes of their number nine, along with Bruno Guimaraes and Allan Saint-Maximin. Jonjo Shelvey has spent much of the campaign recovering from a hamstring injury, only to be ruled out for up to two months with a further setback.
The deep-lying midfielder was immediately identified as an important player by Howe following his appointment, with the head coach hailing the 'incredible technician'. But the 30-year-old is yet to trigger an automatic contract extension, and the latest injury could force a transfer rethink on Tyneside.
Howe could be tempted to reassess his midfield options, in addition to the attacking reinforcements he is understood to have prioritised. Newcastle's lack of European football provides an advantage in the top-four race, but a congested schedule along with ambitions in both domestic cups could prove Rodgers' warning true.
The Magpies have come so far in such a short space of time, given the constraints of FFP which prevent them following the free-spending model of previous takeovers. European football, let alone a place in next season's Champions League, would potentially be viewed as an achievement ahead of schedule.
Maddison could return in time for the Carabao Cup quarter-final on January 10, and a sellout St James' Park might prove persuasive if Newcastle come calling again. The Magpies' momentum has the Toon Army dreaming once again, and one or two smart mid-season buys could ensure a stunning start translates to a season to remember.
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