How Leicester can deal with the latest injury issue in midfield
By Nathan Wong
Injuries have been synonymous with Leicester City in recent years, being a key factor in preventing LCFC’s top-four finish, and more recently their decline. In this time, the Foxes have gone from Champions League-elect to fighting relegation. Thus, the next game against Crystal Palace is set up to be a relegation six-pointer, with the Eagles five places but just two points above Brendan Rodgers’ side.
The latest issue facing Rodgers comes in the form of Dennis Praet. The Belgian was called up to Domenico Tedesco’s side, despite finding appearances hard to come by at the King Power Stadium. Belgium fared well, picking up two wins, but the Leicester Mercury reported that Praet was a “major doubt” ahead of the fixture against Germany. This game was played on Tuesday night, with Belgium winning 3-2. Praet did make the squad in the end but was an unused substitute.
The report also went on to say that Praet was put on an “individual program” which will inevitably be of interest to Leicester’s medical team. Therefore, with compatriot Youri Tielemans injured for a couple more weeks, it leaves City light in forward-thinking options if Praet were to be unavailable. Considering his versatility on the wing, this also reduces LCFC’s already thin depth.
Fortunately, Leicester City still can call upon the talents of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Papy Mendy and Wilfried Ndidi amongst others, even if none of these have been in sparkling form. Perhaps, to replace Praet’s impetus off the bench, Brendan Rodgers may look to some academy talent such as Wanya Marcal-Madivadua to fill his ranks and provide an impact as a substitute.
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On a more positive note, the east Midlanders’ internationals have had a fruitful break. Most players picked up wins with good overall performances, especially from Patson Daka and Danny Ward. Let us hope that they can bring positivity and confidence back into a struggling Foxes side, which will be much needed against reinstalled Roy Hodgson’s Palace team.