Leicester City enjoyed a productive preseason under their latest manager Russell Martin: recording only one loss one draw from their outings, all while steadily implementing a possession-based style during many wins. Comfortable victories over Northampton Town, Bristol Rovers, Burton Albion and Cádiz were complemented by an entertaining 3-3 draw with Malaga on foreign soil, and though a narrow defeat to Genoa bookended the schedule, Martin's side largely domimated, created chances and integrated new signings seamlessly.
Young talents stepped up impressively, whilst tactical framework was clearly established, leaving the Foxes fit, sharp and seemingly well-prepared for the upcoming League One campaign. Three of City's impressive summer additions Christian McFarlane, Conor Chaplin and Alex McCarthy have each faced brief injury interruptions during pre-season, leaving the Foxes gaffer to monitor their respective fitness ahead of the new term.
Leicester City injury updates
19-year-old left-back McFarlane, an England youth international, joined the LE2 club on a season-long loan from Manchester City after impressing in youth football across two continents. He originally came through New York City FC's academy before moving to the Etihad.
The promising athlete was enjoying a strong start to pre-season training when he suffered a bruised foot in late July, an injury that ruled him out of the Carabao Cup trip to Northampton Town earlier this month. Though the Citizen has since returned to full training; Martin revealed the defender is set for his first appearance at the weekend.
Chaplin arrived at King Power Stadium just weeks earlier, putting pen to City paper following his departure from Ipswich Town. The 29-year-old attacking midfielder/forward brings proven EFL pedigree, having claimed the Golden Boot award during his time at Portman Road and as well as a key creative option across the forward line.
The ex-Tractor Boy showed glimpses of his sharp movement and link-up play in friendlies before a minor knock kept him out of the final non-competitive clash against Genoa, not to mention the cup tie at Northampton. Now he is now expected to be fit and available for selection versus Notts County on August 15.
"Conor ChaplinLeicester Mercury
Potential return date: Notts County (August 15)"
Veteran goalkeeper McCarthy signed the same day as Chaplin, joining on a free transfer. The 36-year-old, who boasts more than 150 Premier League appearances, was in line for significant offseason minutes until an insignificant problem sidelined him for the closing warm-up match and the Cobblers.
The Englishman is thought to have recovered and is supposedly challenging Jakub Stolarczyk for the starting berth. Martin is likely to assess match sharpness before handing McCarthy his competitive debut.
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