3 Ways Leicester can sort out their shambolic defence

2: Injury returns

This isn’t as much of a change to the starting squad, as it is to the whole squad, but it is one we must be patient for. The loss of Jonny Evans, Wesley Fofana and James Justin has been monumental.

Personally, I have felt that Evans has been Leicester’s best pure defender ever since he joined the club over three years ago. His leadership is irreplaceable. Especially over lockdown, you could hear Evans commanding the back line and coaching them as they went on. It Evans isn’t at least a defensive coach in the future, then it is football’s loss.

Evans is an example on the pitch and has been through it all. It is not only his words that motivate, but his actions as well. He shows the importance of never giving up when defending your goal. The best Leicester City example I can think of was his miracle tackle against Crystal Palace last season, saving his side from conceding a guaranteed goal that would have sealed a win for the London side.

Evans is a defensive monster, and his return will be welcomed and makes perfect sense in terms of filling in that gap in a three-man defence. After the type of injury that Evans has been suffering with, I don’t think that playing him in a two is the best idea. It risks putting too much strain on him and further aggravating his foot issue.  His return has, and will continue to be, gradual. But that is for the best.

The other returning face, and potential change, for Leicester is James Justin. Oh JJ, how we have missed you. His attacking potential, as well as defending from the left is a marvellous prospect. Looking back at his performances, JJ answers almost all the issues that Ryan Bertrand is currently causing.

JJ adds another dimension to the team, whether it be a very serious goal threat – any excuse to watch THAT goal against Stoke – or providing assists. In 31 appearances last season before his cruel ACL injury, Justin scored three and assisted two goals for the Foxes.

We will see Justin return in late October at the very earliest, however his exclusion from the Europa League squad will mean that his return will directly impact Leicester’s Premier League campaign.

I do have worries about Justin though. He has often been cited as one of Leicester’s biggest losses, but in actual fact, his return wouldn’t actually fix the crux of the defensive issues: the centre backs. I feel like too much is being put on Justin as the redeemer of his sides’ fortunes.

Patience and time will need to be afforded Justin’s way, as with Evans. But if both can find their previous form, then both will have a hugely positive impact of Leicester’s dire defence.