James Maddison is not yet 'at his full level of fitness' but needs game-time to get 'up to full speed' and help Leicester City's push for Champions League football.
That's the verdict of Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers, who is hopeful the attacking midfielder will be able to 'perform at his highest level' against Newcastle United on Friday night.
Maddison has started Leicester's last three matches, but has so far been unable to recapture his best form following a two-month absence with a hip problem.
Both the manager and the player admit the number 10 is yet to regain his match fitness. But with just four Premier League matches remaining and an FA Cup final against Chelsea to come, Rodgers has opted to start the England international in recent weeks.
The Leicester boss admits it's a 'catch-22' situation at a vital stage of the season, with City currently holding a five-point cushion over their nearest top-four rivals.
Newcastle are the visitors to the King Power Stadium on Friday night, and are the Foxes final bottom-half opponent of the season.
Despite the concerns over Maddison's current fitness, Rodgers is hopeful the 24-year-old will be able to take another step towards rediscovering his best form against the Magpies.
He told LeicestershireLive: “It’s a catch-22 with James because he needs the games to get up to full speed, but at the same time they are important games for us.
“He’s a really important player for us. He’s gradually working his way towards that (fitness). The 90 minutes (against Southampton) was important for him.
“He’s had a good week’s training and he will look to take that intensity into the next game.
“He’s an outstanding player. He’s not at his full level of fitness yet, but the only way he is going to get that is within the games.
“It’s another week for him and hopefully he can perform at his highest level against Newcastle.”
