Interim Leicester City manager Andy King faces a selection conundrum ahead of the FA Cup trip to Southampton. The retired Wales international confirmed a depleted squad with eight senior players unavailable. While King hoped for a reprieve, he has instead delivered the news fans feared most regarding star man Jordan James.
Injury woe
Before addressing James, the Foxes must navigate seven other significant absences. Defensively, Jannik Vestergaard is ruled out for up to six weeks following a hernia operation.
The towering Dane is joined on the sidelines by Aussie Harry Souttar; who continues to struggle with an Achilles problem. In midfield, Hamza Choudhury remains unavailable after leaving a recent fixture on crutches with a significant knee injury. Meanwhile Aaron Ramsey is also out with a hamstring strain.
Disciplinary and eligibility issues further thin the ranks. Bobby De Cordova-Reid is serving a suspension following his ill-advised dismissal against Birmingham City. Additionally, recent arrival Joe Aribo is ineligible to feature as he cannot face his parent club, Southampton.
Compounding the selection headache is Manchester City starlet Divine Mukasa. He is cup-tied, having represented his parent club earlier in the competition. However, the "confession" regarding Jordan James carries the most weight.
No early Leicester City return
King confirmed the talismanic loanee Fox, who has netted nine goals this season, is not going to make a swift comeback. Further frustration.
"I think the others (James included), they’re not going to be back soon."Andy King via LCFC Live
The Welshman will likely remain out until at least March with a persistent issue. James's absence strips the side of its engine and primary goal threat at a critical juncture.
With a threadbare squad, King admitted the tie now serves as a "shop window" for fringe players to prove their worth to any watching managerial candidates. In the meantime, read more on potential bosses by clicking here.