Amidst the disheartening, bleak realities of the contemporary Leicester City campaign, conceding a painful truth is essential: Jordan James is the most profoundly influential and exquisite Fox in the current squad. While electrifying Ghana star, Abdul Fatawu, remains a tantalising threat and a close second, his incandescent displays are all too often marred by frustrating inconsistency.
It is James who dictates the tempo of a potential survival. A powerhouse operator who will undoubtedly be recognised and honoured by the LCFC Blue Army for his tireless contributions in this dark season.
Whether the East Midlands club itself will bestow such official grace remains a matter of cynical debate. After all, the hierarchy seemingly left the immortal legends of the 2015/16 title-winning miracle languishing in a cold, anniversary lurch.
Such institutional amnesia does little to inspire loyalty. Consequently, the Welsh maestro will probably not put pen to paper for the upcoming campaign. And if the Foxes suffer the ultimate ignominy of relegation, any hope of securing his permanent signature evaporates entirely.
Thus news of the midfielder's physical breakdown on the international stage arrives not with shock, but with weary inevitability. It is an utterly predictable tragedy that such a vital protagonist should be sidelined whilst representing his country.
This cruel twist is the quintessential Leicester way: seamlessly aligning with the current malevolent luck permeating through the corridors of LE2. Without their midfield talisman, the terrifying precipice of the third tier draws ever closer for LCFC.
The existential threat of the once-crowned kings of England being swallowed up is a real and present danger. City can survive with James, of course, even without him hope remains.
So just how has James's injury been reported by the media after almost 24 hours? His Welsh bosses withdrew him at approximately 60 minutes; the Rennes man looked in pain.
"It’s not clear year the extent of the injury picked up by the 21-year-old, who is on loan at the King Power Stadium from Ligue 1 side Rennes."The Portsmouth News