Joel Dommett has stepped in as the Soccer Aid goalkeeper to replace injured Paddy McGuinness who has been forced to pull out of Saturday night’s match.
The presenter, 36, – who was due to play on pitch anyway – will step up to the goalie position after Paddy, 48, had to bow out due to a problem with his leg.
Paddy’s untimely injury isn’t the only setback to the game, with Roman Kemp being forced to withdraw at the final hour after testing positive for Covid on Friday, reportedly leaving the whole competition in jeopardy.
Uh oh! Joel Dommett has stepped in as the Soccer Aid goalkeeper to replace injured Paddy McGuinness (pictured on Saturday morning) who has been forced to pull out of match
Taking to Instagram to announce he would replace Paddy, Joel wrote: ‘So @mcguinness.paddy is injured – I’m in goal for @socceraid.. I’m gonna leap everywhere and do that thing where they catch the ball and shout at everyone.
A source told MailOnline on Saturday: ‘Despite a few sets backs, the England and World XI teams are raring to go.
‘There were a few nerves this morning over breakfast but most of the players just can’t wait to step out in front of the sell out crowd of 50,000.
Responsibility: The presenter, 36, – who was due to play on pitch anyway – will step up to the goalie position after Paddy, 48, had to bow out due to a problem with his leg
Change of plan: Taking to Instagram to announce he would replace Paddy, Joel wrote: ‘So @mcguinness.paddy is injured – I’m in goal for @socceraid…
‘Joel has stepped up and will be putting on his goal keeping gloves after Paddy’s injury. Having never played in goal this could make for an interesting second half!
‘He is hosting the NTA’s live next Thursday so everyone hoping he gets through unscathed.’
Later on Saturday, Joel shared a selfie with former England goalkeeper David Seaman and wrote: ‘One of these guys is a goal keeper and one is David Seaman…THAT HAND SIZE THO!’
Training: Later on Saturday, Joel shared a selfie with former England goalkeeper David Seaman and wrote: ‘One of these guys is a goal keeper and one is David Seaman…THAT HAND SIZE THO!’
Taking to Instagram on Saturday afternoon, Paddy said he was ‘gutted’ to not be joining a host of stars and former footballers set to take part in the charity match.
Paddy wrote: ‘Gutted! For the first time ever I’m having to pull out of @socceraid due to injury.
‘Tore my lateral meniscus and it’s not something that can be sorted with the magic sponge. Good luck to both teams today and if you’ve got tickets you’re in for a great day for a great cause.’
Joel then wrote underneath: ‘Thinking of you buddy! I’ll do you proud!’
He’s out! Paddy wrote: ‘Gutted! For the first time ever I’m having to pull out of @socceraid due to injury’
While Keith Lemon added: ‘Ah no. What a shame. D’ya wanna play out with me instead. We can get the BMX’s out!’
On Saturday morning, the star was pictured hobbling out of his Cheshire hotel with a bandage around his leg alongside his teammates.
Paddy’s untimely injury isn’t the only setback to the game, with Roman Kemp being forced to withdraw at the final hour after testing positive for Covid, reportedly leaving the whole competition in jeopardy.
Shame: Capital FM presenter Roman was due to play the celebrity match but had to pull out after testing positive for Covid
The Capital FM presenter was due to play the celebrity match at Manchester City’s ground on Saturday, alongside the likes of Paddy McGuinness and Jamie Redknapp.
However, Roman took to Twitter on Friday to confirm he would be missing out on the UNICEF charity fundraiser, and said he was ‘gutted’ he would have to watch from home.
Roman attended the GQ Men Of The Year Awards in London on Wednesday before heading up to Manchester to train with his celebrity team.
However, after he tested positive for Covid he was forced to pull out of the upcoming game.
Ouch: Paddy said: ‘Tore my lateral meniscus and it’s not something that can be sorted with the magic sponge’
In pain: On Saturday morning, the star was pictured hobbling out of his Cheshire hotel with a bandage around his leg alongside his teammates
A source told The Sun his positive test is ‘worrying for everyone involved’ as Roman was training with some of the other players just days ago.
The insider told the publication: ‘It is worrying for everyone involved in Soccer Aid however as Roman was training with a lot of the players yesterday and has been in close contact with so many people.
‘Keeping the teams and those working on Soccer Aid Covid-safe is the organisers’ top priority.
‘Everyone in contact with Roman is going to be tested and extra measures are being put in place to stop any further spread. The game tomorrow will absolutely still be going ahead and this is an isolated case.’
Soccer Aid 2021: Olly Murs and Mark Wright were spotted leaving a Cheshire hotel in their football kit ahead of the Soccer Aid game on Saturday
A representative for ITV has been contacted by MailOnline for a comment.
Meanwhile, Olly Murs and Mark Wright were spotted in their football kit ahead of the game on Saturday night.
The singer, 37, and the TOWIE star, 34, appeared in high spirits as they left the venue to head for training alongside their fellow celebrities taking part.
The Essex natives, who have been best pals for years, chatted to each other while strolling along in their socks and sandals combo.
The pair appeared to be in good shape as they donned their blue sports tops and navy shorts ahead of their training session.
Mark, who played Crawley Town last season, was well prepared for the day ahead, ensuring to bring along a bottle of water and two bananas to re-fuel.
Good friends: The singer, 37, and the TOWIE star, 34, appeared in high spirits as they left the venue on Friday to head for training alongside their fellow celebrities taking part
Luxury stay: Olly admired a flash car as he left the hotel
Both lads looked handsome-as-ever, sporting similar slicked-back hairstyles.
But the duo weren’t heading to training alone – they were closely followed by their comrades James Arthur, Sir Mo Farah, James Bay and Usain Bolt.
The stars will take to the pitch for a friendly match alongside former professional footballers.
Also spotted outside the Cheshire hotel was Kem Cetinay and Dermot O’Leary.
Sporting legend: Mo Farah looked excited as he wore his knee pads ahead of the game
Not alone: The duo weren’t heading to training alone – they were closely followed by their comrades James Arthur (right), Mo Farah and James Bay (left)
Icon: Usain Bolt looked like he meant business as he left the hotel in Puma sliders
Raising money: Also spotted outside the Cheshire hotel as they prepared to raise money for UNICEF UK was Kem Cetinay who chatted to the Olympian
Nerves: Usain flashed a grimacing smile as he held his football boots
Celebrity match: Retired footballer David James will also be joining in on the fun
Last minute preparations: Chunkz let off some steam with an e-cigarette ahead of heading to the stadium
Returning manager: Harry Redknapp returns as manager of the Soccer Aid World XI FC (right). Pictured left: Pablo Zabaleta
Former footballers Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Kelly Smith, Roberto Carlos, Patrice Evra, David James, Emile Heskey and Jamie Redknapp will also take part.
Harry Redknapp returns as manager of the Soccer Aid World XI FC, while Micah Richards and David Seaman will join the England coaching team with Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager.
Former England captain David Beckham, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, will also be in attendance and will present the trophy to the winning team on the night.
Dermot O’Leary returns to host the TV coverage, and he will be joined by new touchline reporter Alex Scott and pundit Maya Jama.
The Soccer Aid for UNICEF match will air live on ITV at 6.30pm and via ITV Hub on Saturday.
TV coverage: Dermot returns to host the TV coverage, and he will be joined by new touchline reporter Alex Scott and pundit Maya Jama