Leicester injuries: Soumare, Thomas, Dewsbury-Hall, Castagne

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has provided injury updates on Boubakary Soumare, Luke Thomas, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Timothy Castagne.

There is currently speculation amongst journalists that the Foxes might be down to a shocking eight senior outfield players for their FA Cup title defence, which begins versus Premier League relegation fodder Watford.

Incidentally, the Hornets are managed by legendary LCFC gaffer (Don) Claudio Ranieri. But there won’t be any space for sentiment from Leicester personnel. Nor via their support as focus will be firmly placed on the worrying yet riveting issue of naming a starting eleven.

Leicester City absences truly reach unprecedented crisis stage

Obviously the African Cup of Nations has come at an inopportune time for the east Midlands team, with no disrespect intended towards that wonderful competition. Having Nigerian Wilfred Ndidi, cult favourite and Ghanaian Dan Amartey, and Super Eagle Kelechi Iheanacho to call upon right now would east the problem no end.

COVID – or the unnamed illness Rodgers previously mentioned – is also presumably causing havoc to the roster as well as staff status.

Then there are the mounting injuries: Jamie Vardy (a two month prognosis), Patson Daka (thought to be a couple of weeks away), Caglar Soyuncu (apparently ready for Burnley along with James Justin), Ricardo Pereira (expected back in February similarly to Wesley Fofana), and Jonny Evans (underwent surgery so out until April).

Filip Benkovic is unavailable due to “personal reasons”, though Rodgers refuses to use him anyway for some unkown reason. Another unfavourable choice in Ryan Bertrand is another on the treatment table and won’t be fit for some time. Papy Mendy is someone who is supposed to be involved at AFCON though reportedly had tested positive for coronavirus lately.

In addition to that nightmare, the Northen Irishman confirmed to Leicester Mercury that there are four more issues:

"Boubakary Soumare and Luke Thomas are now out as well, while there are doubts over Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Timothy Castagne"