Leicester: The latest King Power Stadium expansion details
By Nathan Wong
Whilst Leicester City are struggling so far in the 2021/22 season, the club’s exciting off-field ambitions are continuing to take shape. One aspect of the plan that has yet to physically begin is the proposed stadium expansion.
This summer, the King Power Stadium has already undergone modifications, with the entire pitch being relaid. As of yet, a positive impact on playing performance remains to be seen.
As many Foxes fans are likely aware, the planned expansion will see around a tier of 8,000 seats added to the East Stand. When finished, it will bring the overall ground capacity up to around 40,000. Additionally, the construction of an indoor entertainment complex, hotel, fan village amongst other things will help bring money back into the club and local economy; all whilst improving the matchday experience.
Having undergone a period of planning and fan consultation, the club are “confident” of submitting planning permission to Leicester City Council by the end of October, as reported by Leicester Mercury. The club has already satisfied the council with an environmental impact report, underlining the many stages required before such a large project can begin.
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For fans hoping for further details of timescales; these remain somewhat undecided. However, the best-case scenario would have planning permission accepted in the spring, construction starting shortly after, with completion at the earliest by summer 2024.
Unlike other stadium expansions/constructions such as those at Fulham and Tottenham, there is no expected disruption to fans sitting in the East stand. Therefore, the full 32,312 capacity will remain available to spur on the Foxes during this time. Fans, however, will inevitably need to get used to the novel sight of building work on a matchday!
Late Leicester City team news
After Brendan Rodgers’ press conference, Leicester City fans were updated on the team news just over 24 hours ahead of the Foxes’ clash with Manchester United. In his assessment of injuries, there was largely positive news regarding James Justin and Wesley Fofana’s recoveries. Furthermore, Kelechi Iheanacho and Jonny Evans have both been declared fit by the manager, although the latter’s return may be managed cautiously.
Kelechi Iheanacho is fit, says Rodgers, after picking up a knock on international duty.
— BBC Sport Leicester (@BBCRLSport) October 15, 2021
James Justin will be returning to training "in the next few weeks", Rodgers says. Wesley Fofana is ahead of schedule on his recovery, and could be back after Christmas.
The only sour note in the report is that Jannik Vestergaard picked up a knock on international duty. However, the severity of this remains to be ‘assessed’.
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Meanwhile, Manchester United will be missing both Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane due to injury as well as potentially Fred and Edinson Cavani resulting from international duty.