The collective groan heard across Leicestershire as goalscoring, midfield general Jordan James clutched his hamstring at Wrexham was palpable. An unavoidable and full-blown midfield catastrophe has now been confirmed by LCFC manager Marti Cifuentes. In what can only be described as a catastrophic blow to Leicester City's Play-off ambitions: the top scorer and creative heartbeat is set for a grueling six-week layoff. And, unfathomably, James will potentially miss every single fixture until March.
Losing the Wales international isn't just an 'injury concern' it is a nightmarish update for the already struggling Foxes. With nine goals from the middle, he is the primary reason they haven't slipped into absolute obscurity and disaster. His absence creates a cavernous void in the centre of the pitch; made worse by a mounting casualty list that has left the engine room decimated and would make even Brendan Rodgers nervous.
Aaron Ramsey remains sidelined; Oliver Skipp is battling concussion protocols and illness after his "dizzy" exit at Racecourse Ground versus Wrexham. Harry Winks is still frozen out pending a possible (now confirmed to be sought by Cifuentes) transfer. Therefore Cifuentes is effectively operating with a skeleton crew; replacement options are minimal.
"Marti Cifuentes tells me that Jordan James will be out for at least four weeks, and possibly longer with a hamstring injury.Owen Palmer-Atkin
Oliver Skipp will also miss the game this weekend after medical advice following a head collision."
The gaffer must look to recently fit again Boubakary Soumare; who hasn't started since November. Alternatively starlet Louis Page could get the nod at No.10. Neither offers James' clinical edge, though Page is a top prospect. While Bobby De Cordova-Reid can hopefully fill a creative gap, shifting him inside weakens an already inconsistent attack. Even Hamza Choudhury, primarily utilised as a makeshif full-back under Cifuentes, may be reverted to a central role.
James is expected to miss a season-defining gauntlet of games:
Oxford United (Home) – Jan 24
Charlton Athletic (H) – Jan 31
Birmingham City (Away) – Feb 7
Southampton (H)– Feb 10
Southampton, FA Cup (A)– Feb 14
Stoke City (A) – Feb 21
Middlesbrough (A) – Feb 24
Norwich City (H) – Feb 28
Without the Stade Rennais loanee's late runs, ability nor Skipp's keen anticipation, steel and busy nature, Cifuentes faces a tactical flexibility indictment. If Leicester cannot find a way to replace this output and strength amid such heavy casualties, possibly in the transfer market, the play-off dream won't just be at risk - it will be dead by March.