Leicester City are aiming to continue their mini revival in form of late when they travel to Brentford on Sunday ahead of a 2pm kick-off. Brentford will pose a new challenge for Leicester in October – whilst they are newly-promoted – the Bees are in imperious form, especially whilst playing at home.
The London club opened the season with a 2-0 win over Arsenal, played the best game of the season so far in a 3-3 belter with Liverpool, and most recently narrowly lost 1-0 to Chelsea in a performance that deserved at least a point; Chelsea’s ‘keeper Edouard Mendy saved the Blues on Saturday. Brentford should not be underrated, and this fixture will be one of the toughest that Leicester have faced this season.
To continue their recent form, Leicester need their players fighting fit for Sunday’s game, and Foxes supporters will be hoping that the recent injury worries from Wednesday’s incredible 4-3 win against Spartak Moscow in Russia, won’t impact the squad too badly. Ahead of the Brentford tie, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers updated the Leicester Mercury on the latest injury news.
Leicester City’s Ayoze Perez
The big absentee from Wednesday’s squad, Rodgers revealed that Perez didn’t travel to Russia. The Spaniard proved very effective when he came on against Manchester United, setting up two goals including Vardy’s gorgeous half-volley.
Perez’s absence was due to him feeling unwell, and with the squad as strong in his position, it makes sense for him to have stayed home rather than make an unnecessary long trip. He could well return on Sunday, as Rodgers explained:
"“He didn’t feel well last night and we saw how he was this morning, and he wasn’t feeling much better. Hopefully he’ll be alright for the weekend.”"
Timothy Castagne
Since returning from his horrific facial injury, Castagne has been one of Leicester’s best players. The Belgian is excellent in defence and attack for Leicester on both on their wings, so it is no surprise to learn that he was in line to start the game in Russia, however a tight hamstring just before the game, meant that Castagne missed the tie and Luke Thomas came back into the side.
"“Timothy Castagne was due to start but he’s just felt his hamstring a little bit, and the last time we had this experience with him, he played on and pulled his hamstring, so he’s not able to play this evening.” – Brendan Rodgers explaining Timothy Castagne’s absence"
What Leicester fans can hope is that Castagne’s withdrawal was simply based on caution, and that the former Atalanta man will be back starting against Brentford on Sunday. The Foxes will certainly want his defensive prowess against the Bees.
Youri Tielemans
Perhaps the most worrying injury, LCFC’s ‘Starman’ will be crucial for Sunday. The Belgian was seen hobbling slightly on the pitch just before half-time in Russia, with many thinking he would be subbed off during half-time.
However, Youri stayed on the pitch and provided a sublime no-look assist for Daka’s hat-trick goal. Shortly after, Rodgers substituted Tielemans but did not provide an update on the fitness of the midfielder. Much like Castagne, we can only hope that this was more precautious than a serious injury. Please click below for the final page of injury news.
Wilfred Ndidi
Another big miss in the Foxes midfield, Wilfred Ndidi has established himself as one of the best destructive midfielders in world football. The Nigerian has been missing for Leicester since suffering a hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw with Burnley in September.
Ndidi won’t be returning against Brentford, instead with Rodger’s using Soumare and Choudhury in his place but will be hoping to have Ndidi back sooner rather than later. Explaining the length of the injury, Rodgers said:
"“It could be four to five weeks, so we’ll see how that goes.”"
If his recovery goes to plan, we can expect to see Ndidi back for the monumentally important Premier League fixture against title-favourites Chelsea on November 7th at the King Power. My how the Foxes will want him back for that one.
Wesley Fofana and James Justin
The two long-term injuries for the east Midlands team this season, it is still too early for James Justin as he finishes off the recovery of his ACL injury. Whilst we don’t have an exact return date for the young defender, we will be seeing him before the year is up. Mid-November is the most likely return date, but Justin’s recovery cannot be rushed, so patience is needed.
As for Fofana, it seems increasingly likely that the Frenchman will have a part to play this season, though we won’t see the centre-back until February 2022 at the earliest. Fofana suffered a cruel leg break, ankle dislocation and ligament damage in preseason, but judging by his social media presence, this has not deterred him.
Rodger’s spoke about Fofana’s attitude and said:
"“He’s doing very well He’s coming back home and he’s in great spirits. It’s hugely disappointing for him and for us, but he’s had the operation and it’s gone very well. It’s now just all about his recovery.”"
Other than that, there are no other injuries for Leicester as they prepare to take on Brentford.