Report: Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy could need operation

Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy will reportedly miss the Fulham game and Claudio Ranieri meeting because of a persistent groin injury and possibly requires an operation to fix the problem.

Leicester City reunite with beloved former boss Claudio Ranieri on Wednesday evening, as they travel to West London to face his new side Fulham. Leicester are undefeated in six matches in all competitions. Finding themselves only two points away from 6th position in the Premier League.

Unfortunately, the Foxes have several injury concerns at present: Harry Maguire, Rachid Ghezzal, Vincent Iborra – apparently recovered – Wes Morgan and Jonny Evans are also doubts, allegedly. While Matty James successfully underwent 90 minutes for Leicester City Under-23s; however, he is not yet ready for senior outings.

Jamie Vardy is the most concerning at the moment – his persistent groin strain has reportedly flared up again. Hopefully the issue will clear up soon, although, it is thought the ex-Three Lions striker is unavailable for the Cottagers clash.

Vardy scored a consecutive penalty versus Watford, but John Percy, of the trusted Telegraph Sport, says the forward may require surgery on the issue:

"“Jamie Vardy is set to miss Leicester’s reunion with former manager Claudio Ranieri on Wednesday.“Vardy has suffered a recurrence of a groin injury in training and is rated extremely doubtful to face Fulham at Craven Cottage.“But Vardy is expected to miss the game and manager Claude Puel has hinted he could need an operation to cure the niggling injury, which has been troubling the 31-year-old since last month.”– Journalist John Percy"

Claude Puel said: “He (Vardy) felt something and we will discuss with the medical staff. I don’t know (if he needs surgery).” Quote also via Telegraph.

Recently, Vardy gave up playing for England – selflessly, unless needed due to others’ injuries – to concentrate on his Leicester City club football and to spend time with his family. Naturally, this setback means family time increasing, in addition to a more difficult recovery process at age-31. Leicester City will also miss their talisman dearly.

Kelechi Iheanacho is expected to step-up to the plate if Vardy is out until into the new year. Whereas, the Nigerian has featured as more of a fixture of the side this term, he seems to be in a deeper, almost No.10 role, or regularly playing off-to-the-side of Vardy.

The 22-year-old is a natural finisher and requires a run as the main man to prove himself to the Blue Army faithful and manager Puel. With Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, Manchester City twice and Chelsea next up after the Lilywhites – Vardy, let alone a firing Iheanacho is needed. The former Citizen has two goals and three assists in 16 appearances this campaign.

Fulham and Leicester City kick off at 7:45pm GMT on Wednesday, December 5.