Injured Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen was substituted at half-time in the drubbing at St. James' Park. Unsatisfactory substitute 'keeper and Wales international Danny Ward sadly took over from the Dane. Foxes boss Ruud van Nistelrooy confirmed that his No.1 has an apparent groin injury sustained in the clash against a rampant Newcastle United on that particular Saturday afternoon.
Subsequent to Hermansen being withdrawn, Ward shockingly conceded three goals in just a quarter of an hour. Wow. Although, not all that was the former Liverpool goalie's fault of course. City's makeshift midfield of Hamza Choudhury and Oliver Skipp were their own worst enemies at times respectively and respectfully. And the less said about the displeasing King Power defence the better!
But, most importantly, should the LCFC fan base be worried about their star stopper? Surely an immediate post-match interview is far too early for a genuine prognosis. Nevertheless, boss of the east Midlands team Ruud van Nistelrooy was asked about Hermansen's injury. And, in addition to that angle, one reporter even quizzed the Dutchman further. Van Nistelrooy had to declare whether or not Leicester would be dipping into the January transfer market to sign a replacement following the potential fitness blow.
Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy speaks on Mads Hermansen following Danish player's groin issue
Hermansen has been very important to Leicester during the current campaign. If he is sidelined for even a few matches, City do not possess adequate backup, as Foxes of Leicester see the situation. Ward is just not up to the job.
The 48-year-old explained how the issue caused Hermansen to come off on 45 minutes. Van Nistelrooy and his staff could not tell if the matter was "serious" or not at that stage, naturally. Yet an enquiry over a potential acquisition to stand-in for the 24-year-old still emerged:
"Van Nistelrooy said it was too early to decide if City needed to buy a new goalkeeper:Leicestershire Live
'Let’s wait and see what the problem is first. There’s no need to jump to conclusions on the January window based on this injury.'"