‘Unacceptable’ – James Maddison ‘devastated’ for a Leicester child injured by a ‘terrible challenge’ that shocked Rodgers

JAMES MADDISON was “devastated” for Leicester star Will Alves who suffered a horror ACL injury.

The England U18 star has been sidelined for nine months after Wolves defender Caden Voice was attacked with his terrible studs.

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Voice was shown red and Alves suffered a cruciate ligament tear, shocking Maddison and first-team manager Brendan Rodgers.

Maddison, 26, tweeted: “I wasn’t sure if I should comment publicly on this but I feel like it really needs to be looked into.

“This tackle is in no way acceptable. I’m devastated for young Will.

“A brilliant child with a bright future who must now recover from this terrible challenge.”

Rodgers said: “It’s sad for us. We lost one of our young talents, Will Alves, who came on from MK Dons in the game.

“He wanted to play in the Youth Cup game the night after and played at it.

“They progressed in a draw, our U18s, but he was eliminated in one of the worst challenges I’ve ever seen on a football field.

“It’s such a shame for a young player who’s 17 years old who’s really pushing through in the game and has made a name for himself in training and for who he was.

“It’s really disappointing for us. We wish him a speedy recovery on his return.

“He will be out for the rest of the season. His rehab will start in the next few weeks and he will have surgery afterwards.”

Alves, who is yet to make a senior appearance at Leicester, confirmed the injury which will sideline him for the remainder of the season.

The 17-year-old announced: “A week of ups and downs, devastated to announce that I have torn my cruciate ligament.

“I will give everything to get back on the pitch and do what I love most.”

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