How Leicester will cope without Ndidi and Iheanacho

Leicester City’s Nigerian duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho could be missing a handful of Premier League fixtures during the winter.

Africa’s Cup of Nations will be taking its place right after Christmas. It’s a vital time in the Premier League calendar. Not only would Leicester City miss Ndidi and Iheanacho, but also they would be missing out on other players like Daniel Amartey and Nampalys Mendy, who will represent Ghana and Senegal.

The players in question could miss up to eight crucial fixtures during winter. The 33rd installment of the African Cup of Nations will be starting from 9th January to 6th February of 2022. All the teams that the Leicester City players represent respectively have qualified for the group stages of this tournament.

Leicester City’s representation in the African Cup of Nations

Of course, Ndidi and Iheanacho would be integrally used to represent Nigeria. Now with enough starts, Amartey could cement his place in the pecking order for Ghana. Mendy though not registered for the Leicester City senior squad in most competitions, might still get to earn precious minutes in Senegal’s campaign.

The players have to report right before the new year, as early as December 27. The players will be leaving straight away after the Foxes travel to the home of the reigning Premier League champions, Manchester City, on December 26th. The named players will remain unavailable for Leicester City’s vital game against Liverpool at home.

All the clubs facing a similar dilemma have struck conversations with the national teams to allow the players to leave later than scheduled to help out their clubs on Matchday 20. Liverpool will also be dealing with the same issues as their counterparts. They have to play without impacting players like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, Joël Matip, and Naby Keïta.

The reverse fixture between The Reds and the Foxes will happen soon after the Tournament’s finals on 10th February. Expect both the clubs to arrange quick returns for the players soon after the event’s conclusion if they do not take an early exit.

Check out some bonus content right here, where Akash Roy talks to Sporticos Editor-in-Chief Craig Hanson about all things Leicester City. The meteoric rise, the ownership, the disappointment of failing to get the UCL spots and so much more!