Ricardo Pereira will hopefully return from injury for this crucial Leicester game

Leicester City’s Ricardo Pereira was out for nine months before making his comeback versus Zorya Luhansk, in which he suffered another injury.

Whatever side of the Ricardo Pereira argument you’re on – he shouldn’t have started versus Zorya Luhansk, or, even, he was rushed back – it’s wrong. Basically no one apart from Brendan Rodgers, the player and the Leicester City medical staff truly know.

And I can assure you wholeheartedly that those representatives took the utmost care and prudence with regard to the Portuguese’s long-awaited comeback. I too was critical through sheer disappointment, but now retract my comments.

How long will Ricardo Pereira be unavailable?

Following the Foxes’ dramatic late victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Sunday afternoon, Brendan Rodgers addressed media on the status of his absent right-back.

Ricardo will return in the not too distant future, but will miss a few key games in the process. However, the 27-year-old may be fit for a crucial match versus Tottenham Hotspur on December 20 in the top-flight.

Rodgers said his player will be ready in 10 days to two weeks time, therefore it is unlikely that the Portugal international will feature versus Everton on the 16th of that month, before the Spurs clash.

Next up for Leicester City

Winning against AEK Athens at King Power Stadium on Thursday should give Leicester City superiority over Braga in their Europa League group. Other desperately missed star full-back/wingback/midfielder Timothy Castagne will also be a doubt for that match. Even if Rodgers finally passes the Belgian recent arrival fit, once more. This is due to match fitness; a substitute appearance is slightly more likely for Castagne.

Until then, James Justin and another such as Marc Albrighton will continue to deputise. Despite the aforementioned deputies’ shortcomings in comparison to Ricardo and Castagne, Justin along with Albrighton are very reliable. Then there is Academy graduate Luke Thomas; a great prospect but not yet ready for weekly Premier League play.