Leicester City: Losing big hitters could be fatal to the season

If Leicester City lose any more big hitters from the starting lineup, it will likely be terminal for the Foxes’ season in 2020/21

A week ago Aston Villa were brushed aside in the first half with James Maddison and Harvey Barnes goals. They had both been Leicester’s danger players for the last two months, and with both now missing for lengthy periods, (Maddison’s return date is still unknown) it’s difficult to know where the goals are going to come from.

Jamie Vardy’s only goal from open play in two and a half months was a gifted tap-in, while his form is nowhere to be seen. It’s been a long time since a centre back was given a torrid time by Vardy. But in truth the Foxes’ recent success hasn’t involved relying on their talisman at all: the aforementioned pair led the way.

The No.10 role was attempted by Kelechi Iheanacho against Arsenal and, although he wasn’t poor, he just didn’t look comfortable as the sort of player that could feed Vardy with the required service. His turns are too slow and his vision limited; also, there is no excuse for him blazing over from six yards near the end. Ayoze Perez was the obvious replacement when Maddison was unavailable but even he struggled to get form going. Not to mention the Spaniard being on the treatment table, himself. With few other options it appears the Nigerian will have the playmaker shirt until Maddison or Perez return – unless he gets injured as well, of course.

Harvey Barnes’ absence is now going to be massive. The winger did little in this game, like most of his other teammates. Yet, his marauding runs accompanied by goals and assists are too big to replace. Potential options on the left are Marc Albrighton, who is a totally different player to Barnes and will rarely run beyond a full back. Cengiz Under is due a run in the beginning eleven but tends to be more right sided, whilst flattering to deceive on every occasion he is given a game.

Timothy Castagne seems the best option playing ahead of Luke Thomas; the Belgian could offer some much needed width, though his movement is more direct as opposed to teasing opponents into late tackles or back-pedalling. Brendan Rodgers will have to come up with something inventive as Barnes is likely to be missing for at least six weeks and possibly the rest of the season.