Gary Rowett's tenure as Leicester City manager commenced on Saturday with a pulsating 2-2 draw at Stoke City. A result that offered a glimpse of the necessary tactical recalibration he intends to implement. However, the new gaffer's strategic ambitions are currently being stifled by a burgeoning medical ledger. The King Power treatment room is reaching maximum capacity. Bursting at the seams. Overflowing.
Leicester City injury woes compare to crocked Brendan Rodgers era
With a staggering nine senior personnel currently categorised as convalescing or unavailable for selection, LCFC should be in panic mode! This extensive list of absentees includes defensive quartet: Jannik Vestergaard, Harry Souttar, Jamaal Lascelles and Hamza Choudhury. Along with midfielders Jordan James and Aaron Ramsey.
Yet the primary concern for the Blue Army now surrounds the sudden omission of Ghanaian star Abdul Fatawu. Oh, and Ghana international Jordan Ayew. Both were conspicuous by their absence at Bet365 Stadium; leaving Rowett with a severely depleted offensive arsenal.
What the manager said
Speaking after the stalemate, Rowett revealed that the duo sustained minor physical setbacks during the final preparatory session on Friday. While their respective absences were significant, the manager remains cautiously optimistic.
"It would be nice to get some of those back. I don’t know whether Abdul or Jordan will be back for Tuesday. Hopefully so. Fingers crossed."Rowett - LCFC Live
The 51-year-old indicated that his 'fingers are crossed' in hope of Tuesday comebacks for the daunting trip to Middlesbrough.
Adding to the selection headache is the predicament of Victor Kristiansen.
Further worry
The Danish full back, whose tenure has often been punctuated by fitness concerns and poor, incongruous form, was forced into a premature withdrawal during the first half on Saturday. This latest physical ailment raises further questions regarding his durability in a demanding EFL Championship schedule.
With Kristiansen's availability for the Riverside clash in doubt too, Rowett looks poised to rely on Luke Thomas. While Thomas offers a homegrown alternative, many observers fear that substituting one already incompetent leftie with another represents a magnifiable dilution of quality as City attempt to navigate their latest fitness crisis.