A desperate need for transfers at Leicester City has been exemplified by a latest injury to centre back Ben Nelson. The Foxes' defensive worries have grown exponentially this season; ironically hitting a peak since Wout Faes was released to AS Monaco on loan. It must be said that at full back and in the middle, City have few options. Mounting issues and no money to spend also compounds problems elsewhere. Sorry, more precisely, they cannot outlay fees for restrictive reasons. Furthermore, BBC Sport recently claimed that no new faces, even loanees or free transfers, are indeed expected to arrive at King Power Stadium this season.
So how are the East Midlands team going to cope with several important defenders being unavailable or moving on in the January transfer window? Will they be able to bring anyone in, even temporarily? How about any senior, capable players without a club attachment at the moment? Or will interim head coach and LCFC legend Andy King promote more youth team stars? Not to mention the possibility of actually using these existing promoted starlets more frequently.
Is Ben Nelson injured?
First of all, Nelson. A swollen knee caused his withdrawal versus Oxford United on Saturday. Apparently the Englishman will have to be assessed before any further updates emerge. Hopefully "Kingy" passes him fit.
How will Leicester City's back line look under Andy King?
The LE2 side face a crisis at the back with Victor Kristiansen, Harry Souttar and Nelson potentially sidelined. With no reinforcements expected, the burden falls on senior pair Caleb Okoli and Jannik Vestergaard. Depth must now come from the academy too.
"Leicester City may have suffered another injury blow, with Ben Nelson withdrawn at half-time against Oxford because of a swollen knee. "Leicester Mercury
Olabade Aluko, who is versatile, is poised for proper first-team integration under King. To plug the gaps left by the depleted and stretched backline, Jamaican centre half Kevon Gray (who turned 19 today, Wednesday) could be utilised. Something has got to give; opportunity can rise through circumstance.