Leicester receive some potentially damaging injury news

Brendan Rodgers said in his press conference, ahead of Leicester City’s clash versus Southampton, that star winger Harvey Barnes has suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury.

Alongside answering questions about the fitness of Wes Morgan and the infamous victory at St Mary’s last season, Rodgers stated that Barnes has had a “slight setback” that will rule him out for the rest of the season and the Euros.

Subsequently, the Northern Irishman went on to say that he hopes the Englishmen will be “back for pre-season” after he has recovered from a second operation, as per BBC Sport.

Until his unfortunate injury against Arsenal, Barnes had been a key component of Leicester’s success with a contribution of 17 goals and assists in all competitions. For me, his refreshing directness and ball-carrying ability filled me with hope when he got the ball near the opposition third. Not to mention his ‘equalisers’ when Leicester needed someone to step up.

Thus, it is a shame that Barnes will now be unable to challenge for a place in the England Euro2021 squad, especially after he had forced himself into contention through his excellent performances over the winter period.

Barnes’ injury recurrence is a further lesson to football managers about the over-use of star players, and the future ramifications that could occur. This is not a slight against Rodgers’ management due to the lack of attacking options he had at his disposal at the time. Having said this, the manager did admit at the time of injury that he was aware Barnes had been in the dreaded ‘red zone’ for several weeks.

How will Leicester City be affected by the absence

Whilst this is a disappointing blow to Leicester fans, it is worth highlighting the silver lining of this situation. In this instance, Barnes’ injury helps to solve Brendan Rodgers’ dilemma of how to fit the winger back into the starting lineup. Therefore, for the rest of the season, it is highly likely that we will see a continuation of the 3-4-1-2 formation, due to the absence of a natural left-winger and the form of ‘Senior Man’ Iheanacho.

Although there will be no more ‘equalisers’ from the England international until next season, I am sure every Leicester fan wishes him a speedy recovery and hopes that the team can deliver for the fans and our injured players. Hopefully, by the time he is fully fit once again, there will be supporters inside the King Power Stadium to serenade his return – as well as Champions League football!